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Bitterroot Saga #1
Bitterroot Queen
When Sam Marconi packs up her home and leaves Las Vegas behind her, she pictures an idyllic life waiting for her and her daughter, Beth, in Bitterroot, Idaho. After saving for years, Sam finally has enough to chase her dream of owning and operating a small roadside motel. When she arrives, she finds her new business in a derelict state that makes Sam second guess her decision to move.
For Olly Jones, home has always been in the stretch of road between houses. As a child, her parents raised her to embrace a nomadic life, a practice she continues as an adult. Unlike her parents, Olly doesn’t view the movement as her birthright. She feels an inexplicable, irrepressible tug pulling her ever forward, searching for…something. She trusts she’ll know it when she finds it.
Sam and Olly’s first meeting is explosive with accusations of trespass and vandalism, backed up by mace. But when Sam puts up a flyer seeking skilled labor at an unskilled labor price, Olly is the only one who shows up for the job. Despite her initial reservations, Sam hires her and eventually realizes Olly is exactly what she needs.
Charmed by Bitterroot and drawn in by Sam’s fierce independence, Olly lingers longer than normal. For the first time, she sees a potential for home and family. Will they find a way to build the life they’ve both been searching for? Or will they cling to the ties holding them to the past?
For Olly Jones, home has always been in the stretch of road between houses. As a child, her parents raised her to embrace a nomadic life, a practice she continues as an adult. Unlike her parents, Olly doesn’t view the movement as her birthright. She feels an inexplicable, irrepressible tug pulling her ever forward, searching for…something. She trusts she’ll know it when she finds it.
Sam and Olly’s first meeting is explosive with accusations of trespass and vandalism, backed up by mace. But when Sam puts up a flyer seeking skilled labor at an unskilled labor price, Olly is the only one who shows up for the job. Despite her initial reservations, Sam hires her and eventually realizes Olly is exactly what she needs.
Charmed by Bitterroot and drawn in by Sam’s fierce independence, Olly lingers longer than normal. For the first time, she sees a potential for home and family. Will they find a way to build the life they’ve both been searching for? Or will they cling to the ties holding them to the past?
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First published June 30, 2017
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About the author
Jove Belle
30 books205 followersJove Belle was born and raised against a backdrop of orchards and potato fields. The youngest of four children, she was raised in a conservative, Christian home and began asking why at a very young age, much to the consternation of her mother and grandmother. At the customary age of eighteen, she fled southern Idaho in pursuit of broader minds and fewer traffic jams involving the local livestock. The road didn’t end in Portland, Oregon, but there were many confusing freeway interchanges that a girl from the sticks was ill-prepared to deal with. As a result, she has lived in the Portland metro area for over fifteen years and still can’t figure out how she manages to spend so much time in traffic when there’s not a stray sheep or cow in sight.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 5, 2017
Sam Marconi leaves her casino job in Las Vegas and buys a motel in Bitterroot, Idaho assuming the photos she has seen of the Queen are accurate. She hopes to spend more time with her fifteen year old daughter Beth and be a better parent than she was back in the city. Beth is not happy with the move, with leaving her friends and boyfriend behind. When the pair arrive at the Bitterroot Queen the reality of the task ahead of them is daunting.
Olly Jones has led a nomadic life from an early age, rarely staying in one community for more than a few weeks before hopping in her Scout with her faithful dog Rampart and moving on to the next town. Like the lyrics in that U2 song,she still hasn't found what she’s looking for. Will Bitterroot be any different?
Bitterroot Queen is a terrific read. Jove Belle creates characters who feel like friends you have known for years. Sam is so well drawn. She is a mom first and foremost. I like how she nurtured her daughter’s love for art while still trying to be the parent who insists Beth focus on her education and not her boyfriend. She’s a tough love kind of momma but that love is unconditional. I also liked the way she hid her financial worries behind enough swagger to not upset her daughter. Her friends with benefits relationship with Karen was refreshing to read and a nice change from the traditional formulaic romance.
Olly is a tougher person to understand but a richer character to admire. Her desire to remain unshackled by life is offset by her simple ease around the strangers she meets. A hug from Mrs. Vernon, the growing mutual respect from George the apple farmer, even the work she does for Ava at Bitter Ink all come together to give the reader an understanding of her inner goodness. I enjoyed watching Sam and Olly move from a working relationship into a tentative romance built one painted room at a time. Both had reason to question the wisdom of their choices. Both found ways to support each other.
My only beef with the book is the odd improbability that every character we meet (under the age of 80) but one is lesbian. In a town the size of Bitterroot that feels like an anomaly. It's a pet peeve of mine but does not detract in any way from this entertaining read.
As this is the beginning of a series I look forward to seeing which couple is featured in the next book.
ARC received with thanks from Dirt Road Books for an honest review.
Olly Jones has led a nomadic life from an early age, rarely staying in one community for more than a few weeks before hopping in her Scout with her faithful dog Rampart and moving on to the next town. Like the lyrics in that U2 song,she still hasn't found what she’s looking for. Will Bitterroot be any different?
Bitterroot Queen is a terrific read. Jove Belle creates characters who feel like friends you have known for years. Sam is so well drawn. She is a mom first and foremost. I like how she nurtured her daughter’s love for art while still trying to be the parent who insists Beth focus on her education and not her boyfriend. She’s a tough love kind of momma but that love is unconditional. I also liked the way she hid her financial worries behind enough swagger to not upset her daughter. Her friends with benefits relationship with Karen was refreshing to read and a nice change from the traditional formulaic romance.
Olly is a tougher person to understand but a richer character to admire. Her desire to remain unshackled by life is offset by her simple ease around the strangers she meets. A hug from Mrs. Vernon, the growing mutual respect from George the apple farmer, even the work she does for Ava at Bitter Ink all come together to give the reader an understanding of her inner goodness. I enjoyed watching Sam and Olly move from a working relationship into a tentative romance built one painted room at a time. Both had reason to question the wisdom of their choices. Both found ways to support each other.
My only beef with the book is the odd improbability that every character we meet (under the age of 80) but one is lesbian. In a town the size of Bitterroot that feels like an anomaly. It's a pet peeve of mine but does not detract in any way from this entertaining read.
As this is the beginning of a series I look forward to seeing which couple is featured in the next book.
ARC received with thanks from Dirt Road Books for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Jove Belle is a solid lesfic author whose books are well crafted and entertaining to read. Bitterroot Queen is the first of the series Bitterroot Saga so expect some parts of the plot left unresolved and the introduction of some secondary characters who might have a more prominent role in the future installments.
This is the story of Olly, a nomad handy woman who stops at the town of Bitterroot and unexpectedly feels at home in it. There she meets Sam and her daughter Beth, who are in dire need of a person who can help them refurbish their recently purchased but derelict motel. One word of warning, the refurbishment process is described meticulously by the author so if you don't like DIY, this book might not be for you. I'm not sure if the amount of DIY description balances right within the plot, as it sometimes feels that too much building information is provided. Nevertheless, the characters are well crafted and the plot develops neatly. Just don't expect too much romance happening as this book deals more with each of the main characters' family conflicts and soul searching.
Overall, a well written book but might disappoint if you are looking for hot romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Olly, a nomad handy woman who stops at the town of Bitterroot and unexpectedly feels at home in it. There she meets Sam and her daughter Beth, who are in dire need of a person who can help them refurbish their recently purchased but derelict motel. One word of warning, the refurbishment process is described meticulously by the author so if you don't like DIY, this book might not be for you. I'm not sure if the amount of DIY description balances right within the plot, as it sometimes feels that too much building information is provided. Nevertheless, the characters are well crafted and the plot develops neatly. Just don't expect too much romance happening as this book deals more with each of the main characters' family conflicts and soul searching.
Overall, a well written book but might disappoint if you are looking for hot romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2018
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
Single mom, Sam Marconi leaves her executive job at a Vegas casino to move to Bitterroot, a small town in Idaho with her 15 year old daughter, Beth. She fell in love with Bitterroot when she visited her friend, Karen to escape her work pressures. She grows tired of Vegas and neglecting her daughter - having to work long hours and nights. Saving her money, she buys the Bitterroot Queen motel, sight unseen going only on photos Karen took and the inspection report. When they arrive they find that the motel has been vandalized and is in horrible shape. Olly Jones is a drifter. She and her dog, Rampart travel from town to town doing odd jobs, many of them in construction of some sort. Never staying long, searching for a place to settle down. A place that Olly will know it when she sees it. So far she hadn't found it.
I liked both these main characters. Sam is trying to be a good mom, dealing with both a very unhappy, sulking teenager who did not want to leave her boyfriend and a motel that needs major repairs she wasn't expecting. Olly is liked where ever she goes, a skilled craftsman in many trades and because of her inherent kindness, is able to make friends even with gruff old apple farmers. So with personal, family and money issues on both their sides, Sam and Olly have a slow burn romance. When done right it has come to be my favorite type. And this is one is done right. Fair warning it is so slow, that while it doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, it does leave you wanting. There is much more story to tell. So I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Jove has written a three short stories (free at Dirt Road Books) and a Novella (Cake). All dealing with different lesbians from Bitterroot. My favorite so far is Hearts and Roses with Ava and Valentina whom we meet in this book. I wouldn't mind a whole book with this couple.
Single mom, Sam Marconi leaves her executive job at a Vegas casino to move to Bitterroot, a small town in Idaho with her 15 year old daughter, Beth. She fell in love with Bitterroot when she visited her friend, Karen to escape her work pressures. She grows tired of Vegas and neglecting her daughter - having to work long hours and nights. Saving her money, she buys the Bitterroot Queen motel, sight unseen going only on photos Karen took and the inspection report. When they arrive they find that the motel has been vandalized and is in horrible shape. Olly Jones is a drifter. She and her dog, Rampart travel from town to town doing odd jobs, many of them in construction of some sort. Never staying long, searching for a place to settle down. A place that Olly will know it when she sees it. So far she hadn't found it.
I liked both these main characters. Sam is trying to be a good mom, dealing with both a very unhappy, sulking teenager who did not want to leave her boyfriend and a motel that needs major repairs she wasn't expecting. Olly is liked where ever she goes, a skilled craftsman in many trades and because of her inherent kindness, is able to make friends even with gruff old apple farmers. So with personal, family and money issues on both their sides, Sam and Olly have a slow burn romance. When done right it has come to be my favorite type. And this is one is done right. Fair warning it is so slow, that while it doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, it does leave you wanting. There is much more story to tell. So I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Jove has written a three short stories (free at Dirt Road Books) and a Novella (Cake). All dealing with different lesbians from Bitterroot. My favorite so far is Hearts and Roses with Ava and Valentina whom we meet in this book. I wouldn't mind a whole book with this couple.
March 28, 2018
Not bad but I'm not jumping for joy either.
Well this was not at all what I expected. I really don't understand why this is labeled as 'romance'. The story focuses on the ups and downs of the main characters and those surrounding them but if you're looking to be swept off your feet and swoon because of all the hearts, kisses, smiles and hugs.. keep looking!
There are quite a few tough issues that Sam and Olly face in their personal lives that are explored separately. One of the biggest being Sam's teenage daughter. Honestly if I did a quarter of the things she did, my mom would have smacked me upside the head so hard it would still be spinning.
Although the book started a little slow for my liking (mainly because I was expecting a contemporary romance), I did find it well written. My only personal objection is that some major issues don't get tied up in a neat little bow so the book felt a little incomplete.
Well this was not at all what I expected. I really don't understand why this is labeled as 'romance'. The story focuses on the ups and downs of the main characters and those surrounding them but if you're looking to be swept off your feet and swoon because of all the hearts, kisses, smiles and hugs.. keep looking!
There are quite a few tough issues that Sam and Olly face in their personal lives that are explored separately. One of the biggest being Sam's teenage daughter. Honestly if I did a quarter of the things she did, my mom would have smacked me upside the head so hard it would still be spinning.
Although the book started a little slow for my liking (mainly because I was expecting a contemporary romance), I did find it well written. My only personal objection is that some major issues don't get tied up in a neat little bow so the book felt a little incomplete.
June 24, 2017
Bitterroot Queen is a lesbian fiction romance novel by Jove Belle from Dirt Road Books.
I found the Dirt Road Books Blurb to be both enticing and accurate to the story. I won't rehash it here but I implore you to read it.
This story is not a romance such as is often termed ‘formulatic’, in fact it is far from it.
As much as this is a romance, it is also so much more. A coming of age story for Beth (Sam’s 15 year old ‘know-it-all’ daughter); a family bonding story for Sam and Beth; and a personal growth story for Sam and Olly. Yes, the author packs so much into this book.
The town of Bitterroot is like a character in itself and is well described and likeable, to me it seemed authentic. Secondary characters are essential to the story, they help with main character development and the flow of the story.
The main characters (and there are three – Sam, Beth, and Olly) are well developed, complex, likeable and interesting to get to know. I enjoyed all of the relationships between the three main characters.
I did start to wonder if Sam and Olly were ever going to get it together (I think I was at the 87% mark when I started to wonder if they were going to get together) but after finishing the book I realise that the pacing was exactly what the story and characters needed.
There are no explicit sex scenes in this story.
This book is well edited and I found no spelling or grammatical errors.
I have read all of Jove Belle’s published books and she continues to grow and an author. If you are a fan of Jove’s you will love this story, if this is to be your first read of hers, I guarantee it will not be your last.
Bitterroot Queen captured my interest from the start and kept me enthralled until the end, it is very well written and authentic.
I really enjoyed this romance and found the story to be refreshing.
I give this book a solid 5* rating and it will be a definite re-read. This is the first in the Bitterroot Saga and I will eagerly await the others.
I received a free copy of this ebook for an honest review.
I found the Dirt Road Books Blurb to be both enticing and accurate to the story. I won't rehash it here but I implore you to read it.
This story is not a romance such as is often termed ‘formulatic’, in fact it is far from it.
As much as this is a romance, it is also so much more. A coming of age story for Beth (Sam’s 15 year old ‘know-it-all’ daughter); a family bonding story for Sam and Beth; and a personal growth story for Sam and Olly. Yes, the author packs so much into this book.
The town of Bitterroot is like a character in itself and is well described and likeable, to me it seemed authentic. Secondary characters are essential to the story, they help with main character development and the flow of the story.
The main characters (and there are three – Sam, Beth, and Olly) are well developed, complex, likeable and interesting to get to know. I enjoyed all of the relationships between the three main characters.
I did start to wonder if Sam and Olly were ever going to get it together (I think I was at the 87% mark when I started to wonder if they were going to get together) but after finishing the book I realise that the pacing was exactly what the story and characters needed.
There are no explicit sex scenes in this story.
This book is well edited and I found no spelling or grammatical errors.
I have read all of Jove Belle’s published books and she continues to grow and an author. If you are a fan of Jove’s you will love this story, if this is to be your first read of hers, I guarantee it will not be your last.
Bitterroot Queen captured my interest from the start and kept me enthralled until the end, it is very well written and authentic.
I really enjoyed this romance and found the story to be refreshing.
I give this book a solid 5* rating and it will be a definite re-read. This is the first in the Bitterroot Saga and I will eagerly await the others.
I received a free copy of this ebook for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
I just finished reading this book. Wow! It was a wonderful, sweet story of three people learning how to come together and love - and accept love. Olly is a rootless nomad who has been traveling from place to place for years. Sam purchased a motel in a small town to get herself and her daughter Beth away from the lifestyle of Las Vegas. Sam feels guilty about how she parented her 15-year-old daughter and wants to make changes but isn’t quite sure if she can. Beth has issues of her own that plague her. It doesn’t help that the motel Sam purchased is nothing like she pictured when she made the offer to buy it.
This all comes together in an appealing way. There are some humorous scenes and some tension as well. The supporting characters are interesting, too, from Karen, Sam’s friend with benefits, to the old apple farmer that gives Olly a place to live, Olly's sister, and the tattoo artist who gives Olly her first job in Bitterroot. I’m not sure some of the interactions would all occur in real life but it didn’t matter. Everything came together well for me. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. Now I want more.
I received a free copy for a review.
This all comes together in an appealing way. There are some humorous scenes and some tension as well. The supporting characters are interesting, too, from Karen, Sam’s friend with benefits, to the old apple farmer that gives Olly a place to live, Olly's sister, and the tattoo artist who gives Olly her first job in Bitterroot. I’m not sure some of the interactions would all occur in real life but it didn’t matter. Everything came together well for me. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. Now I want more.
I received a free copy for a review.
June 26, 2017
I really don't know who has my heart more between Olly, Sam and Beth. I loved all three of them because they battled with so many issues that would have made me have a meltdown. Olly's past has made her weary of people and places, her usual mode of self preservation and non attachment is to run as far away as possible, her tires eating up the road as soon as she gets restless. Sam and Beth have a tumultuous parent/child relationship and Sam feels as though she has failed as a parent on so many levels because in the past she was not around Beth as much as she wanted to be because she worked a lot of shifts due to her job. Sam came to Bitterroot to gain a second chance to forge a bond between her and Beth, she also wanted a chance at renewal and she wanted a normal life away from Las Vegas and the fast paced life that comes with living there. My heart went out to Sam because she dared greatly by putting her hopes, dreams and most of her money into buying the Bitterroot Queen and trying to to set up her business only to be disappointed by the appearance of the building when she arrived. Olly, Sam and Beth's paths cross in the most humorous ways and they all begin to rely on each other in ways they never thought they would have. I really hope that there's a sequel to this story because I really love Olly, Sam and Beth and I would really like to read another book about them.
May 28, 2018
Okay, so Bitterroot Queen left me underwhelmed. After having really enjoyed an erotic short from the author I had picked this for Book Club Buddie D. and me to read next. Turned out to be not so good… after Lucky 7 - which was all Zap! Zap! Zap! and overall quite intense – this read like molasses on a cold day…. so fucking slow. I managed to keep D. awake (but only just) and had to abandon it at 30%. This was clearly not material to read in front of an audience.
I felt committed to finish it on my own, however, because the writing was solid enough. Just not that spectacular. I feel the story could have flowed better had the author just snapped up the pace a bit. It did not feel like a romance to me, more like a woman starting over in a new place and dealing with her teenage daughter who had way too much freedom before. The results of that are bleeding into the present. Also there are many obstacles with her new purchase, the Bitterroot Queen motel, her dream of a new future for her and her daughter in Idaho. Then there was this friend with benefits arrangement with Karen that lasted most of the book that did not make me feel the developing romantic feelings between Sam and Olly.
In short... where is the passion? I could not find it in the plot nor the characters.
f/f no explicit scenes
Themes: ho-hum, everybody is gay in Bitterroot, slow burn romance…romance?... not much romance in here and they don’t even kiss until the 95% mark, lots and lots and lots of DIY, I had expected more of this, major issues stay unresolved for now, I guess we’ll have to wait for part 2.
3 stars
I felt committed to finish it on my own, however, because the writing was solid enough. Just not that spectacular. I feel the story could have flowed better had the author just snapped up the pace a bit. It did not feel like a romance to me, more like a woman starting over in a new place and dealing with her teenage daughter who had way too much freedom before. The results of that are bleeding into the present. Also there are many obstacles with her new purchase, the Bitterroot Queen motel, her dream of a new future for her and her daughter in Idaho. Then there was this friend with benefits arrangement with Karen that lasted most of the book that did not make me feel the developing romantic feelings between Sam and Olly.
In short... where is the passion? I could not find it in the plot nor the characters.
f/f no explicit scenes
Themes: ho-hum, everybody is gay in Bitterroot, slow burn romance…romance?... not much romance in here and they don’t even kiss until the 95% mark, lots and lots and lots of DIY, I had expected more of this, major issues stay unresolved for now, I guess we’ll have to wait for part 2.
3 stars
June 26, 2017
The blurb from Dirt Road Books does a great job of giving the reader what they are in store for, then Jove takes them on a cinematic road trip, and I liked this road trip. While reading this in 3rd person POV, I felt I was watching a movie and getting the whole story. I got Olly’s POV of Bitterroot, it’s people, her longing to make roots, her sister’s con game & some family history, and her attraction to Sam. I also got Sam’s POV with her relationship to her daughter Beth, her friend Karen, her anxiety over making the right move to Bitterroot, and her growing feelings towards Olly.
This is a slow burn attraction where we get to see how people converge and gain the courage to take risks in their lives despite their past baggage and their unknown future. These are real characters making some tough choices and seeing them through. Hoping to see another installment of these characters as I would like to see more of how Sam and Beth evolve as mother/daughter and how Olly takes a role in their lives.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
This is a slow burn attraction where we get to see how people converge and gain the courage to take risks in their lives despite their past baggage and their unknown future. These are real characters making some tough choices and seeing them through. Hoping to see another installment of these characters as I would like to see more of how Sam and Beth evolve as mother/daughter and how Olly takes a role in their lives.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2017
Bitterroot Queen by Jove Belle is a rather enjoyable read. It hooked my attention from the beginning. The main characters were a joy to get to know and they were multi-faceted and grew as the story developed. I felt the story was well-paced and kept my attention from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed following along with Sam, Olly and Beth as they renovated the motel. I’m very much looking forward to more additions in a hopefully long series featuring Sam, Olly and the gang from Bitterroot because I need more! I will definitely be reading this one again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that shows it is never too late to take a chance at happiness. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I can’t express well enough how much I loved this book, please don’t hesitate to grab your copy of Bitterroot Queen by Jove Belle.
May 10, 2019
This book put a smile on my face and make me dream about quaint small towns. It's a nice little escape.
May 12, 2023
I loved this book. I hope there are more in the series.
June 30, 2017
Wow another hit out of the ball park for Jove Belle.
The story focus's on three main characters. Sam a single mother trying to make life better for her and her daughter by moving them both away from Las Vegas to open a motel. Beth her daughter who at 15 thinks she knows everything there is to know and has that typical relationship with her mother that I am sure many from around the world will be able to relate too. The we have Olly, can you tell I left my favourite character till last :) Olly has been something of a drifter, never letting herself get attached to people or where she lays her head. The book tells us so much, the relationship between families, be it good or bad. How first impressions are not always the best. The book has a slow relaxed pace, letting you fully understand each person and how they tick. I loved every word from start to finish. This is a slow burn and you won't find explicit sex scences just for the heck of it. This is a story based on a real life. This book has just crashed itself in to my top ten best reads with an ease that is as beautiful as the writing is.
I received a free copy of this ebook for an honest review.
The story focus's on three main characters. Sam a single mother trying to make life better for her and her daughter by moving them both away from Las Vegas to open a motel. Beth her daughter who at 15 thinks she knows everything there is to know and has that typical relationship with her mother that I am sure many from around the world will be able to relate too. The we have Olly, can you tell I left my favourite character till last :) Olly has been something of a drifter, never letting herself get attached to people or where she lays her head. The book tells us so much, the relationship between families, be it good or bad. How first impressions are not always the best. The book has a slow relaxed pace, letting you fully understand each person and how they tick. I loved every word from start to finish. This is a slow burn and you won't find explicit sex scences just for the heck of it. This is a story based on a real life. This book has just crashed itself in to my top ten best reads with an ease that is as beautiful as the writing is.
I received a free copy of this ebook for an honest review.
June 26, 2017
Really good bones to this book.
Given that it's the first in a 'saga', I'm expecting more development of some of the characters but I already loved Olly, who seems tough with a brittle heart. Olly's backstory developed slowly but gave the reader enough at any point in time to really connect and appreciate her.
The other main character Sam is tough in her own completely different way, changing her world and taking a huge risk to look after her family.
The pace of the book is definitely a slow burn but that's not really a bad thing in this case as there's a lot going on in different ways and you can really enjoy the elaborate detail of the 'restoration' project.
I received an ARC for an honest review
Given that it's the first in a 'saga', I'm expecting more development of some of the characters but I already loved Olly, who seems tough with a brittle heart. Olly's backstory developed slowly but gave the reader enough at any point in time to really connect and appreciate her.
The other main character Sam is tough in her own completely different way, changing her world and taking a huge risk to look after her family.
The pace of the book is definitely a slow burn but that's not really a bad thing in this case as there's a lot going on in different ways and you can really enjoy the elaborate detail of the 'restoration' project.
I received an ARC for an honest review
July 18, 2017
Thank you to Jove Belle, Gill McKnight, and everyone else over at the new and amazing Dirt Road Books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Review is also posted to Amazon as Jessica CR.
I'm always excited to see new lesfic publishers enter the literary world. I love the classics (Bella, Bold Strokes), the up-and-comers (Ylva), and the wild cards (Wattpad, CreateSpace, Amazon), but there's always room for more, especially when they are run by authors already well-known in the lesfic world. Once Dirt Road Books was announced on the awesome Women and Words blog, I knew I wanted to be a part of their beginning, so I signed up be an advanced reader. This is one of their first books, along with Friends in High Places by Andi Marquette--which they have also graciously sent me a copy of.
Though I have actually not read any of Jove Belle's previous works, I know she will now be a mainstay on my shelves. This book splits third-person narration between two very different women--Sam Marconi, a single mom of 15-year-old Beth who is hoping to revamp the decrepit Bitterroot Queen motel in a small Idaho town, and Olly Jones, a chronic wanderer who is good with her hands but bad at forming lasting connections with people and places.
It sounds like a fairly classic romantic set-up, but the characters are well-written without any tiresome tropes usually associated with their character types. No woman feels like a caricature. Sam might be the harried businesswoman, but she's also a loving mom who wants the best for her family. And Olly may be the sexy loner, but she's definitely not the cool, measured, unaffected stereotype we've read hundreds of times. We get plenty of time to really get to know them as individuals before they even meet one another, which is refreshing.
There's something to be said about a hardworking woman, and Olly never fails to make us (Sam and readers alike) sweat as she shelves a room, hauls up carpeting, or rigs up a makeshift pulley system for a project. I love the amount of detail that goes into remodeling the motel. It makes the old place feel like a character in and of itself, providing a comfortable backdrop to the family and romantic drama. The scenery of the small town feels alive and crisp at all times. The background characters are all great--George, Ava, and Rachel all make an impression from their first paragraph and I'm excited to see them all in future books.
If you're looking for a hot and steamy romance, you'll have to choose a different book (or maybe wait for the next in the series!). Olly and Sam are both mature people who are afraid of jumping into anything too soon, which makes for a slow friendship that burns into a great romance, . Though I loved this book, it definitely feels like a starting-off point--a lot of interesting characters, backstory, and sub-plots were introduced and left without resolution, making us wait for the next story. I'm definitely willing to wait...but not patiently!
One of my favorite parts of the book was .
This was a great romance with a cozy setting, compelling characters, and an ending that keeps me wanting more.
I'm always excited to see new lesfic publishers enter the literary world. I love the classics (Bella, Bold Strokes), the up-and-comers (Ylva), and the wild cards (Wattpad, CreateSpace, Amazon), but there's always room for more, especially when they are run by authors already well-known in the lesfic world. Once Dirt Road Books was announced on the awesome Women and Words blog, I knew I wanted to be a part of their beginning, so I signed up be an advanced reader. This is one of their first books, along with Friends in High Places by Andi Marquette--which they have also graciously sent me a copy of.
Though I have actually not read any of Jove Belle's previous works, I know she will now be a mainstay on my shelves. This book splits third-person narration between two very different women--Sam Marconi, a single mom of 15-year-old Beth who is hoping to revamp the decrepit Bitterroot Queen motel in a small Idaho town, and Olly Jones, a chronic wanderer who is good with her hands but bad at forming lasting connections with people and places.
It sounds like a fairly classic romantic set-up, but the characters are well-written without any tiresome tropes usually associated with their character types. No woman feels like a caricature. Sam might be the harried businesswoman, but she's also a loving mom who wants the best for her family. And Olly may be the sexy loner, but she's definitely not the cool, measured, unaffected stereotype we've read hundreds of times. We get plenty of time to really get to know them as individuals before they even meet one another, which is refreshing.
There's something to be said about a hardworking woman, and Olly never fails to make us (Sam and readers alike) sweat as she shelves a room, hauls up carpeting, or rigs up a makeshift pulley system for a project. I love the amount of detail that goes into remodeling the motel. It makes the old place feel like a character in and of itself, providing a comfortable backdrop to the family and romantic drama. The scenery of the small town feels alive and crisp at all times. The background characters are all great--George, Ava, and Rachel all make an impression from their first paragraph and I'm excited to see them all in future books.
If you're looking for a hot and steamy romance, you'll have to choose a different book (or maybe wait for the next in the series!). Olly and Sam are both mature people who are afraid of jumping into anything too soon, which makes for a slow friendship that burns into a great romance, . Though I loved this book, it definitely feels like a starting-off point--a lot of interesting characters, backstory, and sub-plots were introduced and left without resolution, making us wait for the next story. I'm definitely willing to wait...but not patiently!
One of my favorite parts of the book was .
This was a great romance with a cozy setting, compelling characters, and an ending that keeps me wanting more.
June 28, 2017
4/5
Bitterroot Queen is a read that I truly enjoyed. I read it without knowing the genre -or even reading the blurb. I would advise you to do the same. It will prevent you to figure out the pattern of the story too soon.
The plot is well developed but classical. It’s like listening to a concerto, you know the music, but it is the execution that win your heart. That is what happened with me.
I loved that some plot arc stay a mystery. It leave the possibility to fill some blank with our own imagination. It let a possibility, an opening for more book in the same universe but with other secondary characters.
I would recommend this book for anyone who want to read a family drama.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review.
Bitterroot Queen is a read that I truly enjoyed. I read it without knowing the genre -or even reading the blurb. I would advise you to do the same. It will prevent you to figure out the pattern of the story too soon.
The plot is well developed but classical. It’s like listening to a concerto, you know the music, but it is the execution that win your heart. That is what happened with me.
I loved that some plot arc stay a mystery. It leave the possibility to fill some blank with our own imagination. It let a possibility, an opening for more book in the same universe but with other secondary characters.
I would recommend this book for anyone who want to read a family drama.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review.
July 9, 2017
In previous novels, I’ve enjoy Jove Belle’s character development and Bitterroot Queen is no different. There is a slow burn between Olly and Sam that, for me, creates a stronger connection to the story as their relationship and self-discovery matures. The secondary characters round out a wonderful cast for the story and work to create the town of Bitterroot that I was able to clearly see through the scenery descriptions but mostly through these character interactions. I thought Sam’s daughter, Beth, was especially strong in creating changing dynamics between all the characters that only a teenager is able to create as they grow and push against those boundaries that they both want and fight against as they transition into adulthood. Jove Belle does an excellent job of using this dynamic as well as strong leading characters to make a fun read was some touching moments in defining what family is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that will speak to your heart. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
July 11, 2017
Wow, I really liked this book! I was hooked from the very beginning. The book could be listed as a romance, but I believe it falls under the category of “real-life” novel. Often when reading a book, you pose the question as to whether the storyline is believable. This story certainly is believable. Ms. Belle’s book is well written and flows smoothly.
The central characters in this book are Sam Marconi, Beth Marconi and Olly Jones. Sam and her daughter have moved from Las Vegas. Sam has purchased a road-side hotel in Bitterroot, Idaho, with the hopes of making a decent living. Unfortunately, the hotel is severely damaged and she ultimately hires Olly to repair the motel.
There were several storylines within this book that I found to be precious. The growing attraction and romance between Olly and Sam was one of these. Olly has a lot of emotional baggage which causes problems with her believing she can be in a relationship and stay in one place long term. I also enjoyed the interaction between Beth and her mom. Beth is 15 years old and possesses typical teenage attitudes toward Sam.
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5. This book was so delightful that I found it hard to leave the characters. Perhaps Ms. Belle will consider writing a sequel.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
The central characters in this book are Sam Marconi, Beth Marconi and Olly Jones. Sam and her daughter have moved from Las Vegas. Sam has purchased a road-side hotel in Bitterroot, Idaho, with the hopes of making a decent living. Unfortunately, the hotel is severely damaged and she ultimately hires Olly to repair the motel.
There were several storylines within this book that I found to be precious. The growing attraction and romance between Olly and Sam was one of these. Olly has a lot of emotional baggage which causes problems with her believing she can be in a relationship and stay in one place long term. I also enjoyed the interaction between Beth and her mom. Beth is 15 years old and possesses typical teenage attitudes toward Sam.
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5. This book was so delightful that I found it hard to leave the characters. Perhaps Ms. Belle will consider writing a sequel.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
July 8, 2017
Bitterroot Queen is a cute and charming story. You get lost in the small town of Bitterroot and want to learn about all the characters and their lives. You get to follow the lives of three characters, Sam and Beth who are mother and daughter and Olly a free spirited wanderer.
Sam and Beth are starting over and Olly is trying to find a place to call home.
You get to watch them grow as characters and see their relationships grow as well.
If you want a cute easy read this book is for you.
Will definitely recommend this book to others.
Sam and Beth are starting over and Olly is trying to find a place to call home.
You get to watch them grow as characters and see their relationships grow as well.
If you want a cute easy read this book is for you.
Will definitely recommend this book to others.
July 27, 2017
I'm not really sure how much I liked the book, but it was good... I think
August 29, 2017
I loved all of the characters in this story, they all had a laid back attitude which I really enjoyed. I just felt the romance side of it was lacking. The two main romantic leads didn't seem to spend that much time together. I think this would be a great story if it was longer and had a bit more steam.
December 3, 2017
Bitterroot Queen has some damn fine character work. Sam, Olly, and Beth are all complex and have their own arcs that are satisfying to read. They are also joined by a cast of side characters who help bring the town of Bitterroot to life and who I’m looking forward to revisiting in future books in this series.
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/bitte...
Full review: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/bitte...
July 9, 2017
As always, Jove Belle, creates a world where the reader can get lost into. I read this in 2 sittings. It would have been in one, but it was late at night. :)
The characters are believable and even though sometimes I chafed at the character of Sam Marconi because sometimes she was just dumb, the other characters were completely believable.
A great romance story coupled with a complete change of life direction story that makes it sound not as scary as it is.
Enjoy this book. You will not regret it.
The characters are believable and even though sometimes I chafed at the character of Sam Marconi because sometimes she was just dumb, the other characters were completely believable.
A great romance story coupled with a complete change of life direction story that makes it sound not as scary as it is.
Enjoy this book. You will not regret it.
June 28, 2017
This book did not disappoint I am at a loss for words at how many feeling this book gave me. This is the first book I have read from this author and she delivered. The small town of bitterroot is portrayed as a place that we all secretly want to live from the awesome community that takes pride in there small town. I fell in love with Sam and Beth from the get go who doesn't want to uproot there life and follow your dreams, and then Olly showed up an the book got that much better what more can I say but run out and get this book you will fall in love with it as I did. I can only hope that this author will continue this story because I have to know what becomes of the bitterroot queen
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review
October 10, 2017
Olly is leaving for another town; her wanderlust has struck again. Something is just not right. She can’t find the place that works for her so she’s hitting the road; she needs to keep looking. She’s been going from town to town for some time now, supporting herself with odd jobs; her dog, Rampart, is her only companion.
In another part of the country, Sam Marconi is leaving Las Vegas with her teenaged daughter, Beth, to seek a new life away from the city muck of Las Vegas. She’s taken all her savings and purchased the Bitteroot Queen, a lovely old hotel in the town of Bitteroot. She’s looking forward to her new life in a small friendly community.
You’ve probably guessed that Olly and Sam are going to meet up, but I won’t spoil it by telling you how.
Jove Belle has peopled her novel with realistic characters who I quickly grew to like. Olly’s sister was a bit of challenge, but I found things to like about her too. Even Olly’s dog, Rampart, is a real character and I found myself wishing I could lay my head in his thick fur.
Most impressive in this book is the relationship between Sam and her daughter. Beth is definitely a teenager, sometimes a real pain and other times endearing. Sam is also a very real mother of a teenager. She doubts herself and often thinks she’s been a bad mother; she regrets how she’s raised Beth in the past, by not always being available. As a single mother she has had to work hard to keep her little family going. The portraits of these two struggling with each other is done sensitively with empathy for both.
Bitteroot Queen is a well-written, well-drawn portrait of a slice of life that shows Sam and Olly as two lesbians comfortable with their identities. If you want a fun, relaxing read pick up Bitteroot Queen. You won’t be disappointed.
In another part of the country, Sam Marconi is leaving Las Vegas with her teenaged daughter, Beth, to seek a new life away from the city muck of Las Vegas. She’s taken all her savings and purchased the Bitteroot Queen, a lovely old hotel in the town of Bitteroot. She’s looking forward to her new life in a small friendly community.
You’ve probably guessed that Olly and Sam are going to meet up, but I won’t spoil it by telling you how.
Jove Belle has peopled her novel with realistic characters who I quickly grew to like. Olly’s sister was a bit of challenge, but I found things to like about her too. Even Olly’s dog, Rampart, is a real character and I found myself wishing I could lay my head in his thick fur.
Most impressive in this book is the relationship between Sam and her daughter. Beth is definitely a teenager, sometimes a real pain and other times endearing. Sam is also a very real mother of a teenager. She doubts herself and often thinks she’s been a bad mother; she regrets how she’s raised Beth in the past, by not always being available. As a single mother she has had to work hard to keep her little family going. The portraits of these two struggling with each other is done sensitively with empathy for both.
Bitteroot Queen is a well-written, well-drawn portrait of a slice of life that shows Sam and Olly as two lesbians comfortable with their identities. If you want a fun, relaxing read pick up Bitteroot Queen. You won’t be disappointed.
February 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest ARC review. I haven’t read anything by Jove Belle previously, but had heard good things about Bitterroot Queen. Not surprisingly, I agree with what I have read previously, the story is amazing and I wasn't disappointed.
Olly is such a unique character, and her dynamic with Sam throughout the book is sweet and highly realistic. Rampart definitely steals the show though! Beth is a great addition to the story. Sam having a daughter gives a different edge to the story, and it is great to see how our main characters interact because of her. In some ways, Beth is the connection at the end of the day that can be considered as helping to draw them together.
The story consists mostly of the project of doing up the Queen, a motel in the small town of Bitterroot. It’s a great way to introduce the characters to one another, and is a setting I haven’t yet seen in the genre of lesfic, so it was a pleasant surprise, and an interesting read.
The secondary characters are great too. The introduction of Gen, Olly’s sister brings about some nice conflict to keep the plot going, and help Olly make important decisions.
I think there is a lot of potential for this book, and a series, especially with spin offs for characters like Karen, Ava, and even Beth.
I really did enjoy this book. It was a great, easy read with a sensible plot. I would highly recommend this, and will most definitely purchasing a paperback copy for my collection!
Olly is such a unique character, and her dynamic with Sam throughout the book is sweet and highly realistic. Rampart definitely steals the show though! Beth is a great addition to the story. Sam having a daughter gives a different edge to the story, and it is great to see how our main characters interact because of her. In some ways, Beth is the connection at the end of the day that can be considered as helping to draw them together.
The story consists mostly of the project of doing up the Queen, a motel in the small town of Bitterroot. It’s a great way to introduce the characters to one another, and is a setting I haven’t yet seen in the genre of lesfic, so it was a pleasant surprise, and an interesting read.
The secondary characters are great too. The introduction of Gen, Olly’s sister brings about some nice conflict to keep the plot going, and help Olly make important decisions.
I think there is a lot of potential for this book, and a series, especially with spin offs for characters like Karen, Ava, and even Beth.
I really did enjoy this book. It was a great, easy read with a sensible plot. I would highly recommend this, and will most definitely purchasing a paperback copy for my collection!
August 11, 2017
Bitterroot Queen is certainly an excellent novel. Jove Belle is one of my very favourite writers in this genre. I have some simple criteria for deciding if a book is love it, like it, or I'm struggling. In this case I was drawn in quickly; I didn't want to put it down for starters. I liked the main characters Olly and Sam and their complex histories, and the way they developed together was realistic. Sam's daughter Beth, and her big issue, were handled well and maturity. I certainly enjoyed the story. So five stars it is.
I am a sucker for series so I want to find out what comes next for the Sam, Olly and Beth, as well as some other ladies of Bitterroot! Like some reviewers I think the ending was a bit sudden, but it does set up a follow-on book so I really hope we find out. Without spoilers, Karen and Quinn must have stories to tell.
I was, purely as a personal thing, a little disappointed there were no explicit scenes in the book, especially since the author can write them well. But this was not enough to stop me loving the book.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I am a sucker for series so I want to find out what comes next for the Sam, Olly and Beth, as well as some other ladies of Bitterroot! Like some reviewers I think the ending was a bit sudden, but it does set up a follow-on book so I really hope we find out. Without spoilers, Karen and Quinn must have stories to tell.
I was, purely as a personal thing, a little disappointed there were no explicit scenes in the book, especially since the author can write them well. But this was not enough to stop me loving the book.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
Bitterroot Queen is, of the handful of Jove Belle books I've read, her most masterful writing. This is not a book about glossy characters who engage in dizzying repartee and come together after resolving a misunderstanding or two; this is much more a book about real people who talk less than they think, and about the silences between moments. These are single mothers trying to establish a relationship with their teen daughters, young women trying to figure out who and what they are, all palpably looking for someplace to belong.
The world of Bitterroot is drawn with a vivid brush here. Between all the supporting characters, starting with the achingly real Mrs. Vernon, and the landscape of Idaho, the author does a fantastic job of establishing the scene and the people.
This is the first installment of a series, so the main characters don't even settle into a groove until the novel is 40% in. The foundation is laid in this book, and the reader is left with a sense of expectation now that all the players have come to the table. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for her characters, and for us.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
The world of Bitterroot is drawn with a vivid brush here. Between all the supporting characters, starting with the achingly real Mrs. Vernon, and the landscape of Idaho, the author does a fantastic job of establishing the scene and the people.
This is the first installment of a series, so the main characters don't even settle into a groove until the novel is 40% in. The foundation is laid in this book, and the reader is left with a sense of expectation now that all the players have come to the table. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for her characters, and for us.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
December 3, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Jove Belle Bittterroot Queen
1) I love to read. I read a lot of books, and sometimes a story like this one comes along which reminds me why. It doesn’t miss a beat. The characters, the plot, the editing, all made this a pleasure to read.
2) A good story, well-told with engaging characters. The writer knows her craft and adds the creative colorations to make this a wonderful read.
3) Absolutely loved this contemporary romance. Love Bitterroot. What a unique set of characters. Didn’t want to put this one down. Loved Olly’s vulnerability. This story was more “ real life” then he traditional ones.
4) I absolutely loved the characters and the writing here. The story pulled me in immediately.
5) A delightful piece of fiction, Jove Belle weaves a story filled with angst, humor, personal growth, coming of age, and family bonding. Highly recommended and one you're sure to re-read.
1) I love to read. I read a lot of books, and sometimes a story like this one comes along which reminds me why. It doesn’t miss a beat. The characters, the plot, the editing, all made this a pleasure to read.
2) A good story, well-told with engaging characters. The writer knows her craft and adds the creative colorations to make this a wonderful read.
3) Absolutely loved this contemporary romance. Love Bitterroot. What a unique set of characters. Didn’t want to put this one down. Loved Olly’s vulnerability. This story was more “ real life” then he traditional ones.
4) I absolutely loved the characters and the writing here. The story pulled me in immediately.
5) A delightful piece of fiction, Jove Belle weaves a story filled with angst, humor, personal growth, coming of age, and family bonding. Highly recommended and one you're sure to re-read.
December 28, 2017
I really enjoy reading Jove Belle's books and this was no exception. Sam buys a small hotel in Bitterroot in the hopes of giving her 15-year-old daughter a better life than the one in Las Vegas. Olly is a drifter doing odd jobs as she moves from place to place. Both characters are very likeable although I got a better sense of Olly as person than I did Sam. The secondary characters are for the most part incidental except for Beth, Sam's daughter. A lot of Sam's personality is shown through Beth and how she responds to her daughter.
Their developing relationship was beautiful to read in the midst of all their personal drama and relative family issues. Sam and Olly's attraction to each other crackles in spite of there being no sex in this novel. Bitterroot Saga has the makings of a great series and I look forward to reading more.
Their developing relationship was beautiful to read in the midst of all their personal drama and relative family issues. Sam and Olly's attraction to each other crackles in spite of there being no sex in this novel. Bitterroot Saga has the makings of a great series and I look forward to reading more.
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