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Trail Blazer: A Lesbian Romance Novel
As her birthday approaches, Gretchen Slate is looking to do something big. Gretchen is an avid hiker, a lover of the outdoors, and sets her sights on Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness, an arduous and remote hike far away from civilization. And she can think of no better company than her best friend Naomi Benson.
This hike is known to change people, and Naomi is in need of a change. She’s never left home, never applied herself, and never admitted her true feelings for Gretchen. In fact, Naomi has spent her life running away from her feelings. While Gretchen is eager to get into the woods and climb mountains, Naomi has her own inner mountains to climb.
Out in the wild, it’s easy to open up and be your real self. Can these two friends bring the love they feel in the wilderness with them when they return home?
This hike is known to change people, and Naomi is in need of a change. She’s never left home, never applied herself, and never admitted her true feelings for Gretchen. In fact, Naomi has spent her life running away from her feelings. While Gretchen is eager to get into the woods and climb mountains, Naomi has her own inner mountains to climb.
Out in the wild, it’s easy to open up and be your real self. Can these two friends bring the love they feel in the wilderness with them when they return home?
- GenresLesbian Fiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2019
106 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 23, 2019
Nicolette Dane at her best yet
“It made Nova feel small and insignificant, but it also made her feel powerful and purposeful and impenetrable. In that moment, she truly was on top of the world.”
“Her confidence soared, and she was more involved and more vocal than ever. Without a doubt, this trip was changing her at a fundamental level.” … “And it made her feel like she could finally be herself. Like there was nothing left to hide.”
A good book with a good balance of sex to romance of a budding relationship between two women looking for their authentic selves & finding a real love together.
“It made Nova feel small and insignificant, but it also made her feel powerful and purposeful and impenetrable. In that moment, she truly was on top of the world.”
“Her confidence soared, and she was more involved and more vocal than ever. Without a doubt, this trip was changing her at a fundamental level.” … “And it made her feel like she could finally be herself. Like there was nothing left to hide.”
A good book with a good balance of sex to romance of a budding relationship between two women looking for their authentic selves & finding a real love together.
February 16, 2021
This was a cute, short, sweet book. I loved the hiking aspect, and enjoyed that the story involved characters approaching 30 who weren't super successful, but who were just trying to figure it all out. Overall, this book was exactly what I wanted it to be.
October 26, 2020
This book surprised me. I was expecting just another lesbian romance novel: a fun read, hopefully some good characters getting to know and love each other, in whatever setting the author had decided on this time. But this one really worked for me.
Why? I think it connected with me on a lot of levels: Naomi's family situation felt, in some ways familiar. I was very reluctant to come out to them for fear of how they would react. (Though, in the end, they reacted somewhat differently… though I was no longer living near them at the time.) But… what really got into me from this book was the perspective of these two women in their twenties. And… there was an excitement to experience new things that reminded me of a Younger Me. I don't think I really recognized it that deeply when I was that age, and some of it was borne out of necessity, real or perceived. (Like the time, I took a 24-hour bus ride -- probably 18 hours, plus 6 hours of waiting time for connections -- to visit my parents for an event for my dad, and then did the same trip in reverse a few days later.)
It really has me, having just experienced a birthday in my mid-40s and a few years after the big change of coming out and the months of living in a world limited by COVID-19, reflecting on some of that which is a little less present for me today. Some of that is just the way it is: there have been a couple of decades more of ticking things off the metaphorical bucket list, so there's less new to choose from. But… some of it is that it is easy to appreciate comfort and hide (intentionally or lazily) from the discomfort of new situations. I don't know what exactly I might want to do that's new, but this book has me thinking about it, in a way that I hadn't expected.
I realize this review is more about me than the book, but I think that's a sign of a good book. It has taken these two women and their lives and the excitement of a hiking trip in Maine, and sent my brain and emotions off in different directions. What more could I ask for?
Why? I think it connected with me on a lot of levels: Naomi's family situation felt, in some ways familiar. I was very reluctant to come out to them for fear of how they would react. (Though, in the end, they reacted somewhat differently… though I was no longer living near them at the time.) But… what really got into me from this book was the perspective of these two women in their twenties. And… there was an excitement to experience new things that reminded me of a Younger Me. I don't think I really recognized it that deeply when I was that age, and some of it was borne out of necessity, real or perceived. (Like the time, I took a 24-hour bus ride -- probably 18 hours, plus 6 hours of waiting time for connections -- to visit my parents for an event for my dad, and then did the same trip in reverse a few days later.)
It really has me, having just experienced a birthday in my mid-40s and a few years after the big change of coming out and the months of living in a world limited by COVID-19, reflecting on some of that which is a little less present for me today. Some of that is just the way it is: there have been a couple of decades more of ticking things off the metaphorical bucket list, so there's less new to choose from. But… some of it is that it is easy to appreciate comfort and hide (intentionally or lazily) from the discomfort of new situations. I don't know what exactly I might want to do that's new, but this book has me thinking about it, in a way that I hadn't expected.
I realize this review is more about me than the book, but I think that's a sign of a good book. It has taken these two women and their lives and the excitement of a hiking trip in Maine, and sent my brain and emotions off in different directions. What more could I ask for?
May 13, 2022
Made me miss tent camping…
This story made me miss tent camping for just a little bit, made me reminisce back to the days when we’d stake out a tent under the stars, build a fire, cook food over an open flame, then retire into a couple of sleeping bags zipped up together for two… ahh…
This story made me miss tent camping for just a little bit, made me reminisce back to the days when we’d stake out a tent under the stars, build a fire, cook food over an open flame, then retire into a couple of sleeping bags zipped up together for two… ahh…
May 8, 2021
Piggy ♥️Nova !
Isn’t it really wonderful to find out not only was your Best-friend shy, but is willing to come out of her shell with your help. Secrecy revealed crushes,,, Happy unions. Off to my next Adventure.
Isn’t it really wonderful to find out not only was your Best-friend shy, but is willing to come out of her shell with your help. Secrecy revealed crushes,,, Happy unions. Off to my next Adventure.
May 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It address countryles real life issues that so many people battles with.
Thank you for letting me share their story and their adventures.
I also live in a beautiful country and intend exploring it soon.
Thank you for letting me share their story and their adventures.
I also live in a beautiful country and intend exploring it soon.
October 25, 2021
Loved the setting and the description of walking the 100 Mile hike. And I like books with life lessons, but this one was a little too repetitive and preachy...I felt it distracted from the romance.
April 21, 2020
Nice love story
A little predictable but all love stories are. Isn't that why we read them. Love the description of the home in Maine.
A little predictable but all love stories are. Isn't that why we read them. Love the description of the home in Maine.
February 13, 2021
Very nice, light little read here. Some very funny and nice, well thought-out characters. The sexy bits were also Dane's classic, sexy style.
May 24, 2021
Heartwarming
A happy story, and I look forward to more. I hope to have some similar hiking stories myself and that doesn’t hurt.
A happy story, and I look forward to more. I hope to have some similar hiking stories myself and that doesn’t hurt.
October 7, 2022
cute story
The story line and characters were amazing and very relatable. There was a few typos that I saw but nothing that threw me off from the story 😃
The story line and characters were amazing and very relatable. There was a few typos that I saw but nothing that threw me off from the story 😃
June 21, 2024
I read this after reading the book Wild. I was looking for another hiking book and actually really enjoyed this. It’s a quirky friends-to-lovers out hiking.
September 23, 2024
I'm sorry i tried to finish it but this is not really for me :')
January 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
The Twelfth book for my Sapphic Book Bingo Card.
The Twelfth book for my Sapphic Book Bingo Card.
March 16, 2020
Full of gems
Lots of hidden nuggets of life advice strewn throughout this romance novel, but it fits the theme and tone of the book so well. Coming out stories aren’t something I deeply love, so while that plotline wasn’t my favorite, the rest of the ups and downs that Gretchen “Piggy” and Naomi “Nova” go through we’re a greats read! Plus, I love any story set in Michigan (or Maine!)
Lots of hidden nuggets of life advice strewn throughout this romance novel, but it fits the theme and tone of the book so well. Coming out stories aren’t something I deeply love, so while that plotline wasn’t my favorite, the rest of the ups and downs that Gretchen “Piggy” and Naomi “Nova” go through we’re a greats read! Plus, I love any story set in Michigan (or Maine!)
July 18, 2019
Adventure and romance what more could you want? Well...
Trail Blazer is a terrific story, I love adventure stories almost as much as lesbian romance. The wilderness part presents a colorful world with vibrant characters. The second part feels like the author didn’t find the back to real life as interesting and so neither did I. Still the women are interesting and you hope love will win. *kindle unlimited reader
Trail Blazer is a terrific story, I love adventure stories almost as much as lesbian romance. The wilderness part presents a colorful world with vibrant characters. The second part feels like the author didn’t find the back to real life as interesting and so neither did I. Still the women are interesting and you hope love will win. *kindle unlimited reader
July 28, 2019
Real nice story
This was a very nice book and it was going great until the last chapter. The last bit of the book was so repetitive of what these two women did that I had to force myself to read through until the ending. Other than that the story itself was enjoyable and interesting. The main characters were well developed and their problems were very different. One struggling to find her way into adulthood and the other trying put her life together.,
This was a very nice book and it was going great until the last chapter. The last bit of the book was so repetitive of what these two women did that I had to force myself to read through until the ending. Other than that the story itself was enjoyable and interesting. The main characters were well developed and their problems were very different. One struggling to find her way into adulthood and the other trying put her life together.,
August 15, 2019
A young lady decides to venture to a different part of the state.
Two friends persuade each other to go on a 100 mile hike. During the hike both discover that they more than best friends. Getting back to civilization things change between them. Do they decide to remain just friends or do they wind up in a more mutual can't live without the other? Enjoy!
Two friends persuade each other to go on a 100 mile hike. During the hike both discover that they more than best friends. Getting back to civilization things change between them. Do they decide to remain just friends or do they wind up in a more mutual can't live without the other? Enjoy!
August 30, 2019
A 100 Mile Walk
For her 30th birthday Gretchen wants to be adventurous and walk the 100 mile Maine trail that marks the end of the Appalachia’s Trail. Persuading her best friend, Naomi to go with her means they can explore their relationship. A journey of love and discovery. Recommend.
For her 30th birthday Gretchen wants to be adventurous and walk the 100 mile Maine trail that marks the end of the Appalachia’s Trail. Persuading her best friend, Naomi to go with her means they can explore their relationship. A journey of love and discovery. Recommend.
October 23, 2019
Wasn’t my favorite
I’ve read some other books of hers I’ve really enjoyed, this one the story just seemed...off. The writing was knowledgeable but seemed rushed in places I’d like more of and vice versa. I couldn’t get into these characters and they didn’t round out enough for me. I’d pick up another of the authors books again, just not this particular one.
I’ve read some other books of hers I’ve really enjoyed, this one the story just seemed...off. The writing was knowledgeable but seemed rushed in places I’d like more of and vice versa. I couldn’t get into these characters and they didn’t round out enough for me. I’d pick up another of the authors books again, just not this particular one.
July 23, 2019
The truth will set you free
This is a delightfully charming love story that includes a later in life coming out. Some of the descriptions of the hiking and the physical and emotional responses are right on.
This is a delightfully charming love story that includes a later in life coming out. Some of the descriptions of the hiking and the physical and emotional responses are right on.
August 3, 2019
Positive, Life Inspiring Book
I'm generally a fan of hiking based lesbian romances and Nicolette Dane did not let me down with Trailblazer. The characters were refreshing, the book had a positive vibe and there was a nice balance between hot sexy scenes and trail romance.
I'm generally a fan of hiking based lesbian romances and Nicolette Dane did not let me down with Trailblazer. The characters were refreshing, the book had a positive vibe and there was a nice balance between hot sexy scenes and trail romance.
August 25, 2019
A real lesbian love story
A very sweet love story. I loved this book because the characters was so down to earth. And the sex was realistic lesbian sex not something written for men.
A very sweet love story. I loved this book because the characters was so down to earth. And the sex was realistic lesbian sex not something written for men.
September 10, 2019
Wonderful!
This is a well written book about finding out what you really want out of life and how to get there. The characters are well developed and their story draws the reader into their lives. Put this book on your must read list.
This is a well written book about finding out what you really want out of life and how to get there. The characters are well developed and their story draws the reader into their lives. Put this book on your must read list.
August 23, 2019
Nice
This is a nice sweet love story. There is no angst. It starts slow but then it makes up for it about midway. Well written with a nice ending.
This is a nice sweet love story. There is no angst. It starts slow but then it makes up for it about midway. Well written with a nice ending.
September 14, 2019
Loved
Beautiful story so relatable. I felt like going camping after words like changing my life. The story flowed beautifully. Think I'll be reading more Nicolette Dane
Beautiful story so relatable. I felt like going camping after words like changing my life. The story flowed beautifully. Think I'll be reading more Nicolette Dane
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews