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Seneca Falls

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Seneca King is alone in life, the pain of her past her only companion.

The idyllic confines of the women’s college Seneca attends prove more isolating than she imagined possible, and her scars, emotional and physical, deter everyone from getting close to her. Until she meets Dylan Walker.

Dylan, a college senior, sees more to Seneca than the fragile body and tortured soul. Dylan is looking for something real in her life, not the unattainable expectations of her family, or the superficial friendships she thought would last a lifetime. There is nothing more real than Seneca King.

Carefully, slowly, they begin a delicate courtship, helping each other learn the meaning of true love. But when her dark past once again steps out of the shadows, Seneca is dragged back into the world that broke her in the first place. Can Dylan and Seneca stand together to vanquish the past once and for all, or this time, will it end up breaking them both?

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2014

14 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Jesse J. Thoma

9 books48 followers
Jesse Thoma splits her professional time between graduate school and work. She is a project manager in a clinical research lab and spends a good amount of time in methadone clinics and prisons collecting data and talking to people. Jesse grew up in Northern California but headed east for college. She never looked back, although her baseball allegiance is still loyally with the San Francisco Giants. She has lived in New England for ten years and has finally learned to leave extra time in the morning to scrape snow off the car. Jesse is blissfully married and is happiest when she is out for a walk with her wife and their dog, pretending she still has the soccer skills she had as an eighteen-year-old, eating anything her wife bakes, or sitting at the computer to write a few lines. (from the publisher's website)

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5 stars
26 (21%)
4 stars
52 (42%)
3 stars
33 (27%)
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9 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for MZ.
432 reviews133 followers
August 13, 2020
I still had this one on my TRB list, it’s an oldie by now, but worth reading. It’s a moving emotional story with good character development.

Seneca is broken and troubled by her past and she’s picking up the pieces of her life and slowly starting to build a future at Sophia college. She has trouble trusting people, but is starting to let some people in, including Dylan. Dylan has had an untroubled upper middle-class upbringing, but feels pressured into a certain future by her family. I loved Seneca as her personality has so many layers, she’s a butch character and has a fiercely protective nature, but she is also shy, afraid, and has very low self-esteem. I also really liked Kate as a secondary character.

The book is not perfect as I did not find everything entirely believable (for instance Seneca’s persona as a playgirl) and the ending of the book felt a bit rushed, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book much.

In summary, a nicely written book and the story really sucked me in, so even though it is not perfect I would recommend it as a beautiful emotional romance.
Profile Image for Velvet Lounger.
391 reviews72 followers
May 10, 2014
Seneca King tries to start a new life at a women's college after being given a scholarship. She is scarred emotionally and physically. She jumps at the slightest contact runs from anything that makes her feel vulnerable and hides behind an enigmatic and distant image.

A year into her life college and one person, Brett - Seneca's roommate, has taken the time and effort to see beyond the brittle exterior. Then Kate, the athletic trainer, offers Seneca work and another small crack begins to appear in her walls. When Seneca meets Dylan at the local lesbian bar, just before the beginning of her second year, she has no idea how much the world is about to change.

As their friendship grows can Seneca let Dylan in, however slowly? Can she learn to trust somebody with her secrets? Can she create a new life that will allow her to experience normal human interaction?

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This book is a great cross between a suspense novel and a romance. Throughout Miss Thoma reveals the psychological and physical damage that Seneca has suffered in tiny, tantalizing reveals. It takes nearly the whole book before we actually find out what has caused the terrible trauma to her body and spirit.

At the same time as we are watching Seneca's pain being revealed, we are also seeing her very first tentative steps towards friendship with three women who have made the effort to win her trust. These gradual emotional developments are brilliantly written and lead us through an exceptional story of emotional development.

The three main characters are superbly drawn with fine detail and a light touch that gives us, the reader, enough information to color in the characters without heavy-handed descriptive detail. The relationship that builds between Seneca and Kate is a wonderful portrayal of a caring and gentle mentor. As we see Seneca and Dylan’s friendship grow the depth of Dylan’s maturity is revealed in her patients and empathy with the wounded woman.

In addition we have a small cast of supporting characters whose cameo roles add greatly to the depth of the story. Ms Thoma draws her characters with love and humor, and makes them human in their ongoing development. We see Kate gently guided to a high level of tolerance by her wife Lisa and Dylan learn the overwhelming expectations are not always external.

My only criticism of the book is that I found the end too easy after all the emotional drama, fear and suspense. Without giving away a plot spoiler, I think the resolution wasn't equal to the expectation, their problem was to easily solved, the villain of the tale collapses without ever really threatening. This let down what was an excellent story and a real emotional thriller.

Having said that I think it was is a very good book, well written, great emotional insight into the trauma of a damaged psyche and with wonderful wonderfully created characters.
Profile Image for Mersini.
692 reviews26 followers
May 7, 2014
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of this book.

This is a novel that follows Seneca King, troubled scholarship student, and Dylan Walker, the girl who becomes Seneca's girlfriend. So what you need to know is that this is a romance. What makes it interesting is Seneca's mysterious past; she is disabled after an incident in her past, and as a result she has put up a large number of emotional barriers, which while they keep others out, also keep her from being able to accept her troubles and move past them.

Without spoiling anything, I can say that this is an interesting read. It's not the best contemporary young adult LGBTQ book you'll ever read, but those are notoriously difficult to find, and indeed, that doesn't mean this is a bad book. It's enjoyable, though the overall plot is completely over the top, and you have the classic issue of the two main characters being so enamoured that there is hardly a place for anyone else in the novel. Sure, there are some other characters, but they exist only in relation to Dylan and Seneca. Dylan's friends from the beginning of the novel completely disappear from the plot after she and Seneca begin their courtship, simply because there is no place for them in the plot as supporting characters, and therefore there's no place at all in the novel for them. It's unfortunate, considering that some of the book is from Dylan's point of view, because it means that instead of her being a well rounded character who exists beyond the pages, beyond her relationship with Seneca, she is somewhat two-dimensional.
Seneca on the other hand is more well rounded, despite being emotionally stunted and at first unable to let anyone remotely close to her. Her emotional issues are justified within the plot, thankfully.

There is a balance between character story-telling and plot story-telling which means that this book is not too hard to get through. However, pacing is a slight problem. Things usually happen too fast.

It's worth the read of you're interested in a story about lesbians who subvert the butch and femme roles that lesbians are usually written as fulfilling, but it's definitely not literature.
Profile Image for Crim.
76 reviews
July 7, 2016
It's a lesbian romance with a Damaged Main Character With a Past, a Rich Girl with Family Issues, and the Dark Past Catching Up With Them. Therefore I can only write this as a bullet points list:

The good:
* The writing is ok.
* For quite awhile the book is reasonably fresh and interesting.
* The main character's issues are real, not romanticized hurt/comfort bullshit.
* Some tropes are averted (for example the family issues, explicitly).

The meh:
* Everyone is attracted to the main character. She is a fuckin' rock star of hook-ups. This detail is hammered in a bit too often.

The bad:
* Once the book gets to the Dark Past bit, it piles up the hurt in all the cliched ways, complete with the "I am breaking up with you to keep you safe" shtick. It's all familiar beats, boring script.
* In the effort to keep the mystery of Seneca's background, there is no mention of her not being ready to handle the college course load. After the reveal, it's not clear when and how she got all her education. This is a minor point, but it's related to:
* Because one traumatic abusive relationship was obvious from the start, the book decides to add to the litany of Seneca's Dreadful Ohsobad Past. Misery porn aside, the result is that college student Seneca The Hook Up Queen doesn't really come off as believable. We spent half the book in her PoV, and then she is a former foster kid, teenage runaway, drug dealer's abused pet who caught her first lucky break with this scholarship? Never would have guessed this from the narration. Characterization sacrificed for a shocking reveal is not a good thing.
Profile Image for Heather A.
688 reviews18 followers
April 24, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley.

I really enjoyed this one. A wonderfully written, emotional romance. Two very different women coming together and falling in love. Seneca King survived a traumatic incident which left her with a lame leg and something of an attitude. She keeps mostly to herself, but has a reputation at her Woman's college where she goes to a bar and picks up beautiful women for nothing more than one night stands, no strings. Just sex. Until she meets Dylan.

Dylan has heard of Seneca's reputation and accepts a dance from her but states clearly she doesn't want to be a one night stand. She wants to be "wooed". A tentative friendship develops into a deep relationship helping Seneca come to terms with what happened to her and her past.

Very well written and engrossing, with two fantastic lead characters. I didn't like Seneca much at first, there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way, but as the novel progressed and she opened up more, she became much more likeable. The relationship develops slowly into a wonderful romance with both characters learning how to be open with each other. A novel full of character growth and very emotional in parts with a nice realistic ending.

A very good read.

Thank you to Negalley and Bold Stroke Books for the chance to read this title.

Also another square crossed off For Book Bingo - Starts with S P R I N or G. This one starts with an S.
Profile Image for Anne.
166 reviews
May 16, 2014
Seneca King is a butch girl who needs to be in control to feel safe; Dylan Walker is a hot femme who wants a fairy tale love. I admire the balance that comes from that kind of couple and Seneca and Dylan are really interesting opposites, but they take things tooo slooowly. I know, the blurb describes a delicate courtship, but still. They kiss what, three times?

The “suspense” does not compensate for the lack of romance. The reason why Seneca wants to keep a distance from people who love her (especially Dylan) is so cliché. Her redemption actually made me roll my eyes. I could almost hear "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background.

The ending was extremely rushed, but this author is very good at describing emotions, situations and places. It took me a scene (Seneca’s little breakdown at the bar) to feel the depth of the main characters. That’s why I’m giving Seneca Falls two stars.

*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Allison.
803 reviews7 followers
July 20, 2016
Seneca Falls was a hugely dramatic book with a dark, damaged, brooding heroine, and her bright, cheery, remarkably rich savior and love interest who is looking for more out of her life. And I have to admit, I like books like this. There are, of course, downsides: sometimes you feel like you are watching a Lifetime movie combined with an afterschool special, and that the rapidly-changing emotions that are being described couldn't possibly realistically be that rapidly-changing. However, the upsides: stories like this drag you in and keep your interest, and make you care about the characters.

In summary, I have read many variations of the story of Seneca and Dylan, but nonetheless, I quite enjoyed this variation. I would recommend that others take the time to enjoy it as well.
Profile Image for Dide.
1,489 reviews54 followers
December 26, 2021
This is a setting in university, one member is a year ahead and back as a senior. So with this in mind I was a bit confused as to why it seemed to me the main character especially 'Seneca' had an image of a highschool freshman or less. She just didn't come across to me as a college character. Her social ineptitude was so contrasting with the way the book started with an image of her being a hot one night stand shark.
Asides this the story is really conventional FF romance story with a small thriller twist.
Profile Image for Charlotte Lowry Glen.
176 reviews
October 19, 2022
I loved Seneca and Kates relationship of mentor/friend. The trauma from Sens past does not suffer from a miraculous heal when she starts dating 'Bob' and I loved that.
The reading was engaging and I throughly enjoyed it. Not BookCase Worthy but definitely worth a re-read
825 reviews19 followers
January 9, 2023
Wow gripping storyline

Wow what a gripping storyline I loved the main characters their journey through it all was captivating the strength of their love was incredibly written it is definitely a gripping storyline worth reading congratulations
1,149 reviews15 followers
February 15, 2021
Great.

I really enjoyed Seneca Falls. A tale of love, PTSD episodes and college life. I loved all the characters. Very well told story.
81 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2023
Really loved it

I don't usually take a day to read but thus book I did. Perfect mix of love and audience and wisdom.
Profile Image for Justina Johnson.
385 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2014
This book is delightful to the max! The two main women are from completely opposite ends of the spectrum. All the action takes place in a highly reputable woman's college in Massachusetts called Sophia College. Several of the folks at the college and one somewhat mysterious woman from Seneca's past in California provide the core people fueling this penetrating tapestry. This was most certainly an astonishing reading experience!

Seneca King is a bit of a tough cookie, but it seems she needs to be for her complete survival. I was initially frustrated by the selected bits and pieces making up Seneca's core and protective stance. I'm confident I was meant to be frustrated, but that only fueled my desire to really know her heart and soul. As each tantalizing additional piece to the puzzle that was Seneca unfolded, I felt more involved, more protective, and a frontline cheerleader rooting for this indomitable survivor. The breathtaking cover art really adds to the overall wondrous sense of Seneca King and her knockout good looks. I would definitely go to the mat for her!

Dylan Walker, a.k.a Bob, is such a love. She returns to Sophia College after spending her junior year in Australia. She finds she has to scramble a bit, if she is to reconnect with her previous chums, survive her mother's conniption fits, and stay the course with Seneca. Dylan comes from a very wealthy family with all the odd restrictions and family duties that can come with such a history. She adds a few of her own rules, that I felt were a tad too restrictive. Dylan is also a stunningly beautiful young woman. However, for both Dylan and Seneca this attribute comes with additional complications. For me, Dylan is a keeper, really hangs in there, and expands her horizons. Fantastic!

Kate Smith is the new athletic trainer at Sophia and eventually becomes Seneca's only boss. Oh I wish I’d known someone like Kate during my college years. She is an amazing person but a formidable presence with a totally radiant countenance who quietly and persistently had Seneca's back. Britt is Seneca's fifth roommate within one year. Between Kate and Britt, Seneca really lucked out with such steadfast and supportive friends. I just had to give these two women some air time. So deserving!

This was another extraordinary book that I could not put down. In fact, I immediately re-read it! I sense I could re-read it several more times and find new noteworthy snippets. I completely recommend this book. From this small town in Massachusetts, I sensed I caught a glimpse of the universe. Magnificent!


NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Jamie Garde.
27 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2014
Seneca Falls takes place on the campus of a small, New England woman’s college. Seneca King has a leg injury, a dark past, a fear of getting emotionally close to people and a strong attraction to Dylan Walker. Dylan Walker has a huge heart and wants to be wooed by Seneca.

Threats from Seneca’s past intrude and threaten the 2 heroines, but since this is a ROMANCE novel, we know they’ll have a HEA by the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Reggie_Love.
526 reviews47 followers
May 29, 2014
A story that does PTSD so incredibly well. As a disabled queer, it's rare to see myself in a main character, so this book was a treat. The characters were beautifully developed. I loved that the relationship seemed genuine, and the plot felt plausible. There were a few problems with the story. Sometimes I found myself confused about how much time had passed, and the ending felt rushed. Overall, I adored this story, and I can't wait to read more by the author.
32 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2014
I loved this book. Usually after I finish a book I am on to the next but Seneca King stayed with me and I wasn't ready to head into something else so quickly. I do wish a little more time was spent on Seneca's past but I didn't finish this book unsatisfied. I look forward to future books by this author.
Profile Image for Heather Bennett.
98 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2014
Seneca Falls is a great tender romance with opposites attracting. Seneca is a disabled troubled student, Dylan is beautiful and from a rich family. The butch and femme plot is played in the book and it is a good young adult book. The plot is good and the writer has promise. I would recommend this book for young adults.
Profile Image for Leanne.
49 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book until the end. It was Very anti climactic and seemed rather hurried...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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