Reviews

Roller Girl by Vanessa North

flapjacks's review against another edition

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4.0

I think this was too short to really build any tension, but I enjoyed it

readingwithhippos's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is guaranteed to lower your stress levels. Tina, a transwoman, is newly divorced and figuring out how to live life on her own. When her washing machine goes out in spectacular fashion, the plumber who shows up to fix it is Joe (short for Joanna), and Tina is immediately taken with her. Turns out Joe is a roller derby coach and asks Tina to try out for the team. This book is just a warm hug of female friendship and ladies supporting each other. There’s a little bit of drama between Tina and Joe because without it, there wouldn’t be a story, but this is low-angst good feelings territory right here. Also, roller derby! What’s not to love?

biblialex's review against another edition

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4.0

A sweet, sexy romance novella with a trans lesbian protagonist.

rackncheese's review against another edition

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5.0

It is so so hard to find trans lesbian romances, but I am so happy that I picked this one up. I'm not usually a fan of sports themes, but the roller derby aspect was actually really fun. I loved both Tina and Joe, along with all the derby girls and Tina's friends. All the characters were so sweet, and the story was as much about friendship and community as it was about the actual romance, which I loved.

voicenextdoor's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars. This was so lovely and comforting. Just what I needed today as I’m going through a terrible flare up. I adored this story. Tina is divorced and still struggling a bit about it. She meets Joe and is invited to try out for her derby team. They are both very attracted to each other but being team mates means that they can’t really be together. I thought the characters were fantastic. Tina is so incredibly likable and Joe is charming as hell. Their chemistry was great and I liked the obstacles that they had to over come to get their HEA. The side characters were just as wonderful and really brought the story to life. I adored this. Great writing, it’s paced well, and the romance is so swoon worthy. Putting this one in my Comfort Reads folder on my kindle because I’m positive I’m going to revisit this one.

siria's review against another edition

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3.0

This was probably four stars for the depiction of lots of women (straight, bi, lesbian, cis, trans, butch, femme) and their friendships, and for having a trans woman as a main character; two stars for the romance proper. Roller Girl isn't long enough to really give depth to the relationship between Tina and Joe, and the central conflict between them (we can't be open about our relationship because of how it might hurt... the dynamic of our inclusive, amateur roller derby team?) felt more than a bit forced. Overall, though, a sweet, light, positive romance.

ephya's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a fun read and my first by this author. I enjoyed it very much.

varusollu's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

jackievr's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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? It's complicated

3.5