Reviews

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

jillybeanxo's review against another edition

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5.0

God I love a strong gay woman who takes control. Is this book perfection? Why yes I think it is!

blackberryreads's review

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4.0

The perfect binge reading book. My heart was beating so hard at the thrilling parts, which rarely ever happens when I read.
TW: emotional and physical abuse, SA

joanna1905's review against another edition

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3.0

**3.5**

A departure from my preferred genre but I loved Tess's book 'Six Times We Almost Kissed' so I was keen to read her other stuff. This was a really well-written YA mystery thriller with a cute queer romance. I can't say there were any surprising plot twists but I was still invested in the plot. I can't rate higher simply because this just isn't a genre I love and it would take a near miracle to get a higher rating. I will be checking out book two as I have a feeling the plot will be more focused on the plot with her step father and I look forward to see how it all plays out.

ridi23's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

katykelly's review against another edition

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5.0

Smart thriller/hostage/relationship story with layers.

Oohh, I really loved the serpentine nature of this, with current and past intrigues, interwoven with darkly humorous as well as dangerous characters and situations.

In present day, there's a bank hostage situation. But it's not that straightforward - our narrator, one of the hostages is herself a wanted woman, part of her own twisted and threatening con artist background.

While we follow the excitement of the heist, as Nora and her friends struggle to stay alive and gain some control, she also shows us her history, as daughter of a woman who constantly made her change her name, appearance and character, to con men out of their money.

It's different. Each story on its own would have made a whole novel, with psychological trauma and suspense in both. Together they shouldn't work, but Sharpe is in control here and what might not seem necessary does actually mesh well to give not only Nora depth.

I found this exciting, and seeing it is going to be filmed, am keen to see it on the screen. Nora makes a wonderfully entertaining, empathetic and imperfect protagonist, with some vibrant secondary characters surrounding her. Her past, as a little girl, is vivid and does give her a lot of our sympathy.

The plots dovetail into quite an exciting finale, and I did find myself riveted to know both the secrets of the past and how things could possibly work out in the present.

Enticingly different. Highly enjoyable. Recommended. One that young adults will enjoy as well as those older looking for something unique.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

eliza_eperon's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

waitaminuteash's review against another edition

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5.0

Since the very first paragraph, I was hooked. Not entirely what I expected it to be, but I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest burning question (of many) throughout reading the book, was what the hell happened to Lee growing up? I know I can't be the only one wondering.

snon's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

ghost_cat99's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I liked the characters. I was invested in the main character's backstory and her relationships with the people close to her, but didn't really care about the rest of the plot. Apparently, this book is part of a duology, but I can't see myself reading the second book.


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aleesi's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75