Backwards To Oregon (The Oregon Series Book #1)

– by Jae

Jae‘s “Backwards To Oregon” is one of my top 3 most favourite lesbian fiction. It’s brilliantly written, the story’s told so beautifully, so sensually, so realistically, you can’t help but go through the treacherous, unforgettable journey that Luke embarks on along with Nora and her daughter, Amy, whom she took on as her fake wife and child. Unbeknownst to Nora that Luke’s actually a woman, she carried on with Luke like a married couple because both of them could give each other what they wanted in life – freedom. So the marriage of convenience worked out both ways. But, of course, all good things come to an end as Luke’s “secret” is discovered! And the page-turner of a drama continues…. READ IT!

Luke & Nora’s relationship, from strangers to friends to ultimately lovers, was structured with such sensibility & warmth, in the midst of a brutal, treacherous journey & ordeal, that you’d feel their friendship and romance simmer through, then burn slowly until it finally burst into flames. The chemistry between these 2 wounded souls was incredibly organic, natural and oh-so sensual, as they got to know each other better every day. Their journey was developed organically so their growing feelings for each other was utterly palpable on the pages. So realistic! I especially LOVED Nora & Luke’s respective inner monologue, which I felt was vital to furthering their story. Jae letting us into BOTH of their psyche allowed us to understand how they were feeling, all the inner struggles that both of them were going through, so when they eventually accepted their undeniable love and kinship for each other, we, as readers, were right there with them, emotionally.

And let’s not forget Luke & Amy’s relationship! Oh! So innocent, so adorable & truly heartwarming to read – Luke, from not even knowing how to carry a child to becoming a proper parent so naturally, always protecting Amy from harm, playing with her, telling her stories, whereas Amy, on the other hand, started bonding with Luke, imprinting her as her father. In essence, Luke, like Amy, is an innocent creature in many ways. So it was such a delight to read how they were figuring out each other along the journey! Simply adorable!

This book is truly a classic. It’s a resounding MUST-READ for all romance readers. Jae’s masterful storytelling & rich development of the characters produced a spellbinding love story that needs to be read to experience its beauty. Utterly sublime.

Then, when you’re done with this 1st book, you simply MUST continue with “Hidden Truths,” its sequel.

But if you ask me, I’d highly recommend you read all the related short stories, preferably in chronological order in between the 2 full-length novels “Backwards…” & “Hidden…”. Here’s how I’d advise you follow with the Oregon Series:

1. The Blue Hour – about Luke’s childhood
2. Grasping At Straws – about how Nora ended up working for Tess
3. Backwards To Oregon
4. A Rooster’s Job – about the Hamiltons building their home
5. The Art Of Pretending – about Tess & someone interesting! 😉
6. Hidden Truths – about Amy as a young adult going thru life, her struggles with Rika, alongside her parents (Luke/Nora) & sister (my review here)
7. Lessons In Love And Life – about Amy & Rika