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wicked_raven_'s review
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
5.0
taylorelena's review
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mickeyisnthere's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book grasped me at the very beginning and took me on a very different journey than i was expecting. A confused and traumatized main character, a very interesting derby captain love interest, and a whole host of side characters I easily fell in love with. I will say the end of this book is not a happy ending, so much so I had to sit with this book for nearly a week after finishing to decide if the ending ruined it for me or not (it didn’t but it did affect my rating). While i’ve now come to terms with the ending, it will haunt me for a good while longer I think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Blood, Death, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
allyjwonderland's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
stephv99's review
5.0
I have never read a book with the roller derby trope before so this was my first one. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was also an emotional read for sure but I loved it
katsbookishobsession's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Santana Knox is one of my favorite authors when it comes to spicy horror and dark romance. So, I was very excited when they decided to explore a new genre.
I was a bit anxious but it was so worth it to get the ARC, and being able to read this masterpiece before release day!
Santana did such a great job at explaining the trauma of the FMC to the reader while also letting us explore the growth of said FMC.
While the story started off slow, it was easy to get into the story and follow along. Nia is a very likeable character, possibly because a lot of readers will be able to identify with her, like I did myself.
Nothing felt unreal, or like it was pushed in an unrealistic way. Reading Nia's story simply felt natural, human and very emotional.
I really enjoyed that the focus was on Nia's growth rather than an unnecessary romance, though we did get a taste of a slow burn romance with an extra spicy scene. However, Nia's story, her growth and the path of her finding herself stayed in focus all the way.
I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a contemporary coming of age story about healing trauma, learning to be vulnerable and learning accepting oneself.
I was a bit anxious but it was so worth it to get the ARC, and being able to read this masterpiece before release day!
Santana did such a great job at explaining the trauma of the FMC to the reader while also letting us explore the growth of said FMC.
While the story started off slow, it was easy to get into the story and follow along. Nia is a very likeable character, possibly because a lot of readers will be able to identify with her, like I did myself.
Nothing felt unreal, or like it was pushed in an unrealistic way. Reading Nia's story simply felt natural, human and very emotional.
I really enjoyed that the focus was on Nia's growth rather than an unnecessary romance, though we did get a taste of a slow burn romance with an extra spicy scene. However, Nia's story, her growth and the path of her finding herself stayed in focus all the way.
I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a contemporary coming of age story about healing trauma, learning to be vulnerable and learning accepting oneself.
deathandnightshade's review
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
as a roller derby player I was so excited to read this and Santana delivered!!! This book was a roller coaster of emotions in the best way possible (like seriously might have done more for me than years of therapy). Crossed Over made me feel seen and had things I never thought I would see all together in a book an autistic female MC, roller derby, and sapphic characters! It’s easily in my top reads so far this year.
ace97's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Santana… I’m BAWLING😭😭
Putting my thoughts together was so hard for this book, but I think it’s because this story is so important to tell.
This was so beautiful and raw, to me this coming out story made me feel so many things.
I was not disappointed with Santana’s writing of course as it shows the journey of these characters. This was a slow burn that needed to be one in my opinion to show the characters growth throughout.
Nia and Harvey came together so beautifully, and it showed the passion they both had for themselves and others.
Also hello?? The ending??
Santana I loved this book so much and the fact that book 2 is coming makes my heart SO HAPPY🩶🩶
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Santana… I’m BAWLING😭😭
Putting my thoughts together was so hard for this book, but I think it’s because this story is so important to tell.
This was so beautiful and raw, to me this coming out story made me feel so many things.
I was not disappointed with Santana’s writing of course as it shows the journey of these characters. This was a slow burn that needed to be one in my opinion to show the characters growth throughout.
Nia and Harvey came together so beautifully, and it showed the passion they both had for themselves and others.
Also hello?? The ending??
Santana I loved this book so much and the fact that book 2 is coming makes my heart SO HAPPY🩶🩶
wanderingsoul333's review
5.0
This story is freaking beautiful. I wanted it to never end. If I could reread it every week forever, as if it's my first time, I would. I feel like I'll now be carrying a little piece of Santana Knox in my soul for always. And I'm honored to have that piece.
gabbymm1003's review
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book and I’m so glad I did - I’m obsessed! This book broke my heart in many unexpected ways (THAT ENDING OMG ), made me giddy and blush, and helped me not feel so alone in my complicated mother/daughter relationship. It was fun, sexy, inspiring, and jarring in the absolute best ways. I promise, you have NEVER read something like this before!
Synopsis:
Nia was a star Jammer on her roller derby team until a catastrophic injury kept her for returning for five years. She’s planning to leave her hometown for good but gets roped into competing one last time - but will leaving be so easy once she has people gluing her there? Can Nia separate from her mother’s controlling expectations and follow her heart?
Synopsis:
Nia was a star Jammer on her roller derby team until a catastrophic injury kept her for returning for five years. She’s planning to leave her hometown for good but gets roped into competing one last time - but will leaving be so easy once she has people gluing her there? Can Nia separate from her mother’s controlling expectations and follow her heart?