leahkarge's review against another edition
5.0
Yet another incredible book from author VANESSA NORTH takes us on a beautiful, emotional ride full of female friendship, the excitement of roller derby, stunning characters and dynamics, an adorable puppy, and the full gamut of human emotion.
One of my most favorite scenes is after Tina's first bout when a little trans boy comes up to meet his new hero. The scene is heart-warming, and I hope others are able to find a hero in Tina as well.
One of my most favorite scenes is after Tina's first bout when a little trans boy comes up to meet his new hero. The scene is heart-warming, and I hope others are able to find a hero in Tina as well.
dianafraser17's review against another edition
2.0
Book #2 of 12 from my queer romance holiday hamper was Roller Girl. I never really got into the story or characters on this one but loved that the main character was trans and that #rollerderby was the star of the show. It's a novella at 150 pages and emphasizes found family, which are pluses.
relin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Happy trans lesbian story with supportive friends, team and community. Hit me in the happy queer feels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Medical content
Moderate: Alcohol and Grief
Minor: Transphobia, Violence, and Alcoholism
Divorce, partially due to protagonist's transition.juliule's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun, but I never felt completely drawn in by the characters - perhaps if it had been longer there would have been more time to develop them. Crucially, I never really bought into the central romantic conflict (the need for secrecy) because it seemed like it really wasn't that big a deal - it felt a bit like manufactured tension. As a result, I think the relationship I actually felt most invested in was the friendship between Tina and Lou, rather than the central romance. I also wasn't wild about the first person narration.
kaitrates's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Vanessa North novel, assigned by my book club, and omg I'm happy they did!
I really loves this story. I loved the world Vanessa created. I love the way she handled the delicate emotions and situations that in anothers' hands would have felt gross a la "give me ally cookies!" I loved how Lauren and her Qs were woven throughout but not prioritized. And I feel closer to my sister in law who plays derby because now I know so much more about it!
One star off because I felt like the build up and resolution between Joe and Tina happened too quickly. Like they were super hot for each other like *that* and then their time apart wasn't explored very much. I prefer a slower build and a bit of a more drawn out conflict and resolution.
I really loves this story. I loved the world Vanessa created. I love the way she handled the delicate emotions and situations that in anothers' hands would have felt gross a la "give me ally cookies!" I loved how Lauren and her Qs were woven throughout but not prioritized. And I feel closer to my sister in law who plays derby because now I know so much more about it!
One star off because I felt like the build up and resolution between Joe and Tina happened too quickly. Like they were super hot for each other like *that* and then their time apart wasn't explored very much. I prefer a slower build and a bit of a more drawn out conflict and resolution.
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A cute story. Probably could have been expanded to a full novel, but still enjoyable.
abigailbat's review against another edition
This was the first book I unwrapped from my Ripped Bodice Bookstore "Holidates" surprise box and I devoured it in one afternoon. I really enjoyed the characters. Although it was a quick read, the romance was bolstered by themes of female friendship and teamwork and Tina's journey to making her transition public and becoming a more recognizable role model for trans youth by agreeing to a TV interview.
fresolinda's review
3.0
Audiobook Narration: single narration, dual POV. Chapter 7, 48:44 the narrator burps very loudly ... How did that get past editing?
aquantumofgravitas's review against another edition
4.0
Great popcorn fiction!! Much more explicit than I thought it would be and I wish I hadn't been reading it in public.