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Blackpoint
Joseph McNiff has lived a life unlike any other.
Being half Irish and half Blackfoot is not easy for a young man in the old west. He has a place in both the white man's world and the native tribe, but he's never really fit into either. It's even more complicated as he is really a she and trying to keep the town safe as it's sheriff. The last thing Joe needs is to make his life any harder than it already is.
When a beautiful woman with a mysterious past comes into his life, Joe finds himself opening his home and quite possibly his heart to the newcomer. But he also has to tread carefully, making sure that he doesn't reveal too much and risk putting himself in danger.
Cassandra Gibson has lived a very sheltered life.
Growing up with her abusive father, she was sure the only way she would ever get out of his house would be if she married or when he died. After a really bad morning, Cassie finds herself running away from the only life she's ever known hoping to find a town where she can start fresh. She remembers a town her father once spoke about, to the north. A town with no church and no sense, according to him.
It sounds perfect.
Blackpoint is a town full of people just trying to live their lives in the best way possible. Many people have settled there and succeeded in finding peace. Hopefully, Joe and Cassie will be able to as well.
Being half Irish and half Blackfoot is not easy for a young man in the old west. He has a place in both the white man's world and the native tribe, but he's never really fit into either. It's even more complicated as he is really a she and trying to keep the town safe as it's sheriff. The last thing Joe needs is to make his life any harder than it already is.
When a beautiful woman with a mysterious past comes into his life, Joe finds himself opening his home and quite possibly his heart to the newcomer. But he also has to tread carefully, making sure that he doesn't reveal too much and risk putting himself in danger.
Cassandra Gibson has lived a very sheltered life.
Growing up with her abusive father, she was sure the only way she would ever get out of his house would be if she married or when he died. After a really bad morning, Cassie finds herself running away from the only life she's ever known hoping to find a town where she can start fresh. She remembers a town her father once spoke about, to the north. A town with no church and no sense, according to him.
It sounds perfect.
Blackpoint is a town full of people just trying to live their lives in the best way possible. Many people have settled there and succeeded in finding peace. Hopefully, Joe and Cassie will be able to as well.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
27 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hershberger
8 books32 followersKate Hershberger was born in South Bend, Indiana and later raised in the foothills of North Carolina where she lives with her wife and their menagerie of rescue pets. She dreams of writing full time in New England, living as a modern day Jessica Fletcher (minus the murders).
*This author is part of iReadIndies, a collective of self-published independent authors of women loving women (WLW) literature. Please visit our website at iReadIndies.com for more information and to find links to the books published by our authors.
*This author is part of iReadIndies, a collective of self-published independent authors of women loving women (WLW) literature. Please visit our website at iReadIndies.com for more information and to find links to the books published by our authors.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 5, 2021
Kindle Unlimited. A historical story with the woman-as-a-man trope.
Joseph is the Sheriff of a small town called Blackpoint, she is half Blackfoot clan native American, and has been hiding her real gender since she was a child. She has a dalliance with the local Madame, Miss Kitty. When Jo comes across a young woman in Cassandra, trying to escape her abusive Daddy, she offers off her a place as a housekeeper to help keep this naïve sheltered girl safe. Romance ensues.
This was fine. Fairly standard stuff, enjoyable read!
Joseph is the Sheriff of a small town called Blackpoint, she is half Blackfoot clan native American, and has been hiding her real gender since she was a child. She has a dalliance with the local Madame, Miss Kitty. When Jo comes across a young woman in Cassandra, trying to escape her abusive Daddy, she offers off her a place as a housekeeper to help keep this naïve sheltered girl safe. Romance ensues.
This was fine. Fairly standard stuff, enjoyable read!
June 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are both likeable, the secondary characters around them are a good bunch too. Not only is Joe a trans man, but he's mixed race too so he's going to experience prejudice for his race even with him successfully passing as a man. Cassie was so timid at the start of the story but after being on her own, in the town of Blackpoint, she gets her confidence and it's awesome to see.
September 15, 2021
Living disguised as a man is not a trope I read often. Neither is historical fiction.
I liked the push and pull between main characters. The knowledge one has but the other doesn't. I found myself trying to put myself in their positions.
I liked the push and pull between main characters. The knowledge one has but the other doesn't. I found myself trying to put myself in their positions.
August 23, 2022
This was a simple, sweet story with no angst and an easy plot. The antagonist(s) were eliminated fairly swiftly and easily which left more time for the protagonist(s) to grow their relationship. There's some history on the Blackfoot Indians which gives us a better insight on Joe, the Sheriff. I tagged this in 3 different groups (hidden gender, Trans, nonbinary) because I honestly don't know what Joe was. There's conversations about Joe's identity but no real definitive answer. The romance was sweet, but wasn't deep enough for my tastes. I wanted more, and I felt cheated when the book ended.
Aside from the many errors riddled throughout this book, I did enjoy it. Sometimes simple is best.
Aside from the many errors riddled throughout this book, I did enjoy it. Sometimes simple is best.
August 24, 2022
Exciting!
Joseph, Sherriff of Blackpoint finds himself helping Cassie after she runs away from an abusive father, but Joseph worries about Cassie finding out the truth when kindly allowing her to stay. Cassie is learning about the world and how different it can be and how kind people can be now she’s found someone as lovely as Joseph she wonders what is holding Joseph back when she starts to develop feelings.
Such a heartwarming sweet story with a true western style to it. I loved how it provided all the characters with an opportunity to grow and learn as they developed friendships and relationships. Dealing with the day to day of life in trivial times, I really felt for both Joseph and Cassie. They both had secrets, so much at stake, and yet the both deserved to find happiness.
Joseph always defended Cassie, was kind, caring, and genuinely a good person with a good heart, which is why it was so important in this story to highlight that for Joseph to be themselves in those times was dangerous. It was such a shame that was the case, but Cassie was so lucky to find Joseph. They had a great connection, understanding of one another even when estranged and you just knew they’d be perfect together. Joseph’s hesitation provided the perfect amount of tension, and when Cassie learned the truth I was impressed by how well she took that news despite her background.
A great story with lots of tender moments, sweet ones, and some action and adventure that leaves you hooked wondering when the moment everything is revealed will be. Really enjoyed reading the story and recommend it.
Joseph, Sherriff of Blackpoint finds himself helping Cassie after she runs away from an abusive father, but Joseph worries about Cassie finding out the truth when kindly allowing her to stay. Cassie is learning about the world and how different it can be and how kind people can be now she’s found someone as lovely as Joseph she wonders what is holding Joseph back when she starts to develop feelings.
Such a heartwarming sweet story with a true western style to it. I loved how it provided all the characters with an opportunity to grow and learn as they developed friendships and relationships. Dealing with the day to day of life in trivial times, I really felt for both Joseph and Cassie. They both had secrets, so much at stake, and yet the both deserved to find happiness.
Joseph always defended Cassie, was kind, caring, and genuinely a good person with a good heart, which is why it was so important in this story to highlight that for Joseph to be themselves in those times was dangerous. It was such a shame that was the case, but Cassie was so lucky to find Joseph. They had a great connection, understanding of one another even when estranged and you just knew they’d be perfect together. Joseph’s hesitation provided the perfect amount of tension, and when Cassie learned the truth I was impressed by how well she took that news despite her background.
A great story with lots of tender moments, sweet ones, and some action and adventure that leaves you hooked wondering when the moment everything is revealed will be. Really enjoyed reading the story and recommend it.
August 4, 2023
3,25 stars
It was quite good. I've read better books in this genre (Jae's Oregon series is hard to beat, tbh) but it was still well written and I had fun reading it.
Won't need a repeat, but it was time well spent.
It was quite good. I've read better books in this genre (Jae's Oregon series is hard to beat, tbh) but it was still well written and I had fun reading it.
Won't need a repeat, but it was time well spent.
April 28, 2023
Cassie flees her abusive preacher father, headed for the town of Blackpoint. Somewhere her father swore he’d never step foot in ever again, and because of her sheltered life it’s the only other place she knows to go. She tries to make it on her own and meets the people who call Blackpoint home including the sheriff: Joe, her new employer. Cassie slowly recovering from the trauma both mental and physical inflicted on her by her father was handled really well and she wasn’t a ‘damsel in distress’ stereotype she easily could have turned in to. This book definitely deserves all the positive feedback it’s gotten. I couldn’t put it down and I thought it was a really sweet story.
August 8, 2021
Good
I do like this one better than some other historical fiction I’ve read featuring a trans man. Specifically that those who knew continued to call him by male pronouns even in private. The back and forth of he/she in other books drives me crazy. So thank you.
Otherwise it was an overall sweet story that meets the description.
I do like this one better than some other historical fiction I’ve read featuring a trans man. Specifically that those who knew continued to call him by male pronouns even in private. The back and forth of he/she in other books drives me crazy. So thank you.
Otherwise it was an overall sweet story that meets the description.
February 20, 2024
Wow!
When I read the authors intro for this book, I immediately thought of The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The ghost of Christmas present says beware of want and ignorance. But especially ignorance as they will destroy the world. Or something to that affect.
Prejudice is a form of ignorance. Tell you what? Debate?!!
It's a shame that the world hasn't changed that much.
It's a great story,just the subject matter is very hard hitting.
The grammar needs some work. But it's easy to read. I feel the author had a hard time writing this. But she got her points across really well.
I enjoyed it. Hope you do aswell.
When I read the authors intro for this book, I immediately thought of The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The ghost of Christmas present says beware of want and ignorance. But especially ignorance as they will destroy the world. Or something to that affect.
Prejudice is a form of ignorance. Tell you what? Debate?!!
It's a shame that the world hasn't changed that much.
It's a great story,just the subject matter is very hard hitting.
The grammar needs some work. But it's easy to read. I feel the author had a hard time writing this. But she got her points across really well.
I enjoyed it. Hope you do aswell.
November 16, 2021
Sweet and shadowed, but not too dark. Excellent trans and queer representation.
This was a mostly very sweet story with a few dark parts. While it wouldn't have suffered for a bit of polishing I enjoyed it thoroughly. Great plotline, plenty of room for a sequel, yet we'll resolved, engaging characters, and realism.
I could have done without the racial slurs, I get that it's true to the times, but it's true to these times too. I would know, I've heard them directed at me enough times that I've lost count. Modern stories can realistically be told without them, I think historical ones can too. I'm not saying I think they should be erased entirely, but I think if the story can work fine without them, they should be left out. It's different if it's a absolutely necessary to the the story, but I think in this case it wasn't. That said, it wasn't over done to any sort of extreme, there was a content warning so I expected it, and the author put thought into it, so I'm not discounting stars for it.
I really liked the handling of gender, this wasn't your classic woman disguised as man story, it also explored the transgender experience. Joe isn't crossdressing, he's presenting as his true self. That's under representated in media of all forms, and it's well done here.
This was a mostly very sweet story with a few dark parts. While it wouldn't have suffered for a bit of polishing I enjoyed it thoroughly. Great plotline, plenty of room for a sequel, yet we'll resolved, engaging characters, and realism.
I could have done without the racial slurs, I get that it's true to the times, but it's true to these times too. I would know, I've heard them directed at me enough times that I've lost count. Modern stories can realistically be told without them, I think historical ones can too. I'm not saying I think they should be erased entirely, but I think if the story can work fine without them, they should be left out. It's different if it's a absolutely necessary to the the story, but I think in this case it wasn't. That said, it wasn't over done to any sort of extreme, there was a content warning so I expected it, and the author put thought into it, so I'm not discounting stars for it.
I really liked the handling of gender, this wasn't your classic woman disguised as man story, it also explored the transgender experience. Joe isn't crossdressing, he's presenting as his true self. That's under representated in media of all forms, and it's well done here.
June 13, 2022
Right off the bat, the first thing that I absolutely love about this book is the fact that the author dedicated time to ensure there was a trigger warning for the content. While the subject matter did not go heavily into detail, I very much appreciate a warning so that I can mentally prepare myself as I continue reading.
Within the chapters, there are sections that are dedicated to each protagonist of the story, Cassie and Joe. They are told from the viewpoint of each respective character which I feel gives better insight to the characters as the story progresses.
From the beginning of the story, we see how Cassie lived in the torment of the abuse from her father. We also see how Joe has a secret from the town he sheriffs that only a friend ‘Kitty’ is aware of.
We follow Cassie as she learns more about the world her father kept from her and we also learn a lot more about Joe. I love Love LOVE the fact that Joe is part indigenous and as they refer to them two spirit. I love that Kate was able to take this beautiful culture and represent it in a way that shows people how beautiful it and its people truly are.
I highly recommend this book because it's beautiful and pure and despite the racial slurs used for the western theme and the violence it is a lovely story.
Within the chapters, there are sections that are dedicated to each protagonist of the story, Cassie and Joe. They are told from the viewpoint of each respective character which I feel gives better insight to the characters as the story progresses.
From the beginning of the story, we see how Cassie lived in the torment of the abuse from her father. We also see how Joe has a secret from the town he sheriffs that only a friend ‘Kitty’ is aware of.
We follow Cassie as she learns more about the world her father kept from her and we also learn a lot more about Joe. I love Love LOVE the fact that Joe is part indigenous and as they refer to them two spirit. I love that Kate was able to take this beautiful culture and represent it in a way that shows people how beautiful it and its people truly are.
I highly recommend this book because it's beautiful and pure and despite the racial slurs used for the western theme and the violence it is a lovely story.
July 20, 2022
so good!!
I absolutely love historical lesbian fiction especially in the old west. Well let me say that Kate Hershberger did not disappoint. It was a nicely written story that was easy to read and hard to put down. I very much look forward to other stories by this author. One thing I especially liked about this book was that there was obviously the threat of the dangers that existed back then especially for women, but the author was able to get that point across without graphic scenes and I’d like to thank them for that. It was a great read!
I absolutely love historical lesbian fiction especially in the old west. Well let me say that Kate Hershberger did not disappoint. It was a nicely written story that was easy to read and hard to put down. I very much look forward to other stories by this author. One thing I especially liked about this book was that there was obviously the threat of the dangers that existed back then especially for women, but the author was able to get that point across without graphic scenes and I’d like to thank them for that. It was a great read!
August 22, 2021
Loved This Book
Absolutely adored this book story flows easily and grabs you attention from the beginning,the characters are well written especially the father and the story flows really well hopefully there's a sequel it certainly deserves .
Absolutely adored this book story flows easily and grabs you attention from the beginning,the characters are well written especially the father and the story flows really well hopefully there's a sequel it certainly deserves .
September 1, 2021
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. Love is love is always a good story. The characters are well written and likable. Very good concept a town where everyone is accepted. Thanks for a very good read.
I really enjoyed this book. Love is love is always a good story. The characters are well written and likable. Very good concept a town where everyone is accepted. Thanks for a very good read.
October 31, 2021
Good storyline!
First book I have read by this author. Good storyline with good character development. I would recommend it. I will be checking out other books she has written.
First book I have read by this author. Good storyline with good character development. I would recommend it. I will be checking out other books she has written.
October 16, 2023
Loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I read non stop. The characters are great and I love the plot. I definitely recommend 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I read non stop. The characters are great and I love the plot. I definitely recommend 🙂
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October 22, 2022Great Western
Love this genre. Some are good, some are bad, with most in between. This one falls in the good category. My only complaint was that it wasn't longer.
Love this genre. Some are good, some are bad, with most in between. This one falls in the good category. My only complaint was that it wasn't longer.
April 7, 2022
I normally love a woman dressed as a man story but I just didn’t gel with this one. It was almost a dnf
It was hard to tell whether Jo was just a woman in disguise or was actually a trans man or maybe non-binary. Not they I would have minded either way but it would be just nice to know.
It was hard to tell whether Jo was just a woman in disguise or was actually a trans man or maybe non-binary. Not they I would have minded either way but it would be just nice to know.
September 26, 2023
I loved the premise, but it took me a good while to figure out what about the story-writing didn’t really pull me into the story.
The story reads like two people recounting the same tale to you conversationally. There is a lot of good dialogue but the descriptive verse is simple and bare-boned at best and much of the environment is not really fleshed out.
The story reads like two people recounting the same tale to you conversationally. There is a lot of good dialogue but the descriptive verse is simple and bare-boned at best and much of the environment is not really fleshed out.
September 6, 2023
wonderful read!
I loved reading this story. A women that happens to be half Indian leading life as a man, another escaping an abusive home, a saloon with Call Girls, some danger - all add up to a great story with of course a happy ending. I’d love for Joe & Cassie’s story to continue!!!
I loved reading this story. A women that happens to be half Indian leading life as a man, another escaping an abusive home, a saloon with Call Girls, some danger - all add up to a great story with of course a happy ending. I’d love for Joe & Cassie’s story to continue!!!
February 6, 2023
Awesome
Blackpoint was really good, i really enjoyed reading Joe & Cassie's story. This is the first book from Kate Hershberger I've read, and I'd certainly enjoy more lime it or a sequel.
Blackpoint was really good, i really enjoyed reading Joe & Cassie's story. This is the first book from Kate Hershberger I've read, and I'd certainly enjoy more lime it or a sequel.
June 27, 2023
Very good queer western romance!
I really enjoyed Kate Hershberger's book, Blackpoint. I always had a soft spot for westerns and this one didn't disappoint. I love that Kate put in a lot of research to make it as accurate as possible. Definitely recommend reading this book.
I really enjoyed Kate Hershberger's book, Blackpoint. I always had a soft spot for westerns and this one didn't disappoint. I love that Kate put in a lot of research to make it as accurate as possible. Definitely recommend reading this book.
November 6, 2023
A story to make you think twice about how we see history.
A truly good story has you 3/4 way through the book and your heart sinks cause it is almost over. Learning to know Joe and Cassie was a treat. A very real reminder that life for woman in our history could be very harsh. The love story and community is the gift of those harsh times when folks cared for each other. Thank you Kate Hershverger for telling the hard stories about what life might have looked like in our not so distant past. What a great cast of characters and many diverse folks who make up our world. This was such a great story with hard reality moments that were both scary and wonderfully told. I loved it.
A truly good story has you 3/4 way through the book and your heart sinks cause it is almost over. Learning to know Joe and Cassie was a treat. A very real reminder that life for woman in our history could be very harsh. The love story and community is the gift of those harsh times when folks cared for each other. Thank you Kate Hershverger for telling the hard stories about what life might have looked like in our not so distant past. What a great cast of characters and many diverse folks who make up our world. This was such a great story with hard reality moments that were both scary and wonderfully told. I loved it.
October 3, 2021
Great story
This was a great story! But, there is a problem with the pages or paragraphs? I would finish one page, but when I get to the next page I would have to read almost half way down the page just to pick up where I left off. I loved the story!! It was great!! But having to figure out the continuation of one page to another was kinda frustrating. If it gets fixed it would be worthy of five stars, until then three
This was a great story! But, there is a problem with the pages or paragraphs? I would finish one page, but when I get to the next page I would have to read almost half way down the page just to pick up where I left off. I loved the story!! It was great!! But having to figure out the continuation of one page to another was kinda frustrating. If it gets fixed it would be worthy of five stars, until then three
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews