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Crossed Over
From international best-selling author Santana Knox, comes an LGBTQ, women’s fiction, coming out story like nothing you’ve ever read before. A tale that grips the hearts of those who failed to see eye-to-eye with a parent, and anyone who’s ever denied the truth about themselves.
Nia da Silva is dead…
Dead serious about moving on from her past, from roller derby, and the traumatic injury that was a crushing blow to not just her body but her mind.
Running away from her problems wasn’t the fix she had hoped for.
Five years later, she returns to the town that left her with permanent scars. Healing her physical wounds was the bare minimum. She’ll finally have to face herself, and rediscover who she’s always been beneath the lies she’s worn like shredded fishnets over bruised knees.
Pretty crossovers, and strong thighs won’t be enough to champion through her problems. Especially when they challenge who she may be at her very core.
Crossed Over is a Sapphic, coming out story about healing, facing your fears, and becoming the hero you once needed for yourself. Please check content warnings, this story features adult themes and language that may not be suitable for readers under 18.
Nia da Silva is dead…
Dead serious about moving on from her past, from roller derby, and the traumatic injury that was a crushing blow to not just her body but her mind.
Running away from her problems wasn’t the fix she had hoped for.
Five years later, she returns to the town that left her with permanent scars. Healing her physical wounds was the bare minimum. She’ll finally have to face herself, and rediscover who she’s always been beneath the lies she’s worn like shredded fishnets over bruised knees.
Pretty crossovers, and strong thighs won’t be enough to champion through her problems. Especially when they challenge who she may be at her very core.
Crossed Over is a Sapphic, coming out story about healing, facing your fears, and becoming the hero you once needed for yourself. Please check content warnings, this story features adult themes and language that may not be suitable for readers under 18.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
119 people are currently reading
1350 people want to read
About the author
Santana Knox
19 books1,798 followersSantana Knox is a Brazilian author, a South American immigrant, a mother, wife and witch.
Santana got tired of letting the voices in her head drive her crazy, and decided to write down the stories they were begging to tell instead. A lover of the unusual, and a hopeless romantic when it comes to toxic villains, Santana's books should always be taken with a grain of salt, specifically the kind that keeps demons away.
Santana got tired of letting the voices in her head drive her crazy, and decided to write down the stories they were begging to tell instead. A lover of the unusual, and a hopeless romantic when it comes to toxic villains, Santana's books should always be taken with a grain of salt, specifically the kind that keeps demons away.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
May 5, 2024
Hell NO, how could you do this to me, Santana? I'm devastated. My AuDHD connected in a way to Nia I never felt before. And that ending, I just CAN'T...
"I read a sports romance and I liked it..." That should have been the opening of my review because I inhaled this book.
Nia just got her found family back, finally after so much isolation and found Harvey, sweet sweet Harvey... And I want to rip these last pages from my brain, please take them back 😭
I laughed so much - Nia is funny in a way only a person with anxiety and depression really understands, I think... I LAUGHED.. Until I didn't 😭
"Santana's books should always be taken with a grain of salt,..."
I'm drowning in the ocean right now and there's definitely not enough salt here to get through this heartache.
I'm an emotional person (Special thanks to the 'tism.) My feelings are on the regular too much to handle for me but I rarely felt so many emotions during a book, so I just have to give you 5 stars, even if a piece of my trusting heart won't heal from this.
You find me overdramatic? I am - but: READ THIS BOOK!!!!1 and meet me at rock bottom 🥲
Nia da Silva I will never forget you, you are exactly the person I would want to be friends with so so bad - so we both feel less alone and less awkward in this cruel world.
I will never know how hard it is for (autistic) BIPoC - I see you 🖤🖤🖤
"I read a sports romance and I liked it..." That should have been the opening of my review because I inhaled this book.
Nia just got her found family back, finally after so much isolation and found Harvey, sweet sweet Harvey... And I want to rip these last pages from my brain, please take them back 😭
I laughed so much - Nia is funny in a way only a person with anxiety and depression really understands, I think... I LAUGHED.. Until I didn't 😭
"Santana's books should always be taken with a grain of salt,..."
I'm drowning in the ocean right now and there's definitely not enough salt here to get through this heartache.
I'm an emotional person (Special thanks to the 'tism.) My feelings are on the regular too much to handle for me but I rarely felt so many emotions during a book, so I just have to give you 5 stars, even if a piece of my trusting heart won't heal from this.
You find me overdramatic? I am - but: READ THIS BOOK!!!!1 and meet me at rock bottom 🥲
Nia da Silva I will never forget you, you are exactly the person I would want to be friends with so so bad - so we both feel less alone and less awkward in this cruel world.
I will never know how hard it is for (autistic) BIPoC - I see you 🖤🖤🖤
Read
June 3, 2024i was definitely not given proper heads up on this book bc i was really enjoying it and then the ending....
uh.... well it's not a happy ending.
i guess it's a duet too but i have no idea what that's going to look like from here.
i'm quite mindfucked rn so i don't know what to rate it and i'm a bit reserved on continuing.
uh.... well it's not a happy ending.
i guess it's a duet too but i have no idea what that's going to look like from here.
i'm quite mindfucked rn so i don't know what to rate it and i'm a bit reserved on continuing.
October 8, 2024
It’s been a while since I read a coming-out story that wasn’t YA. I’ve been out for so long I have a tendency to go for books where being queer is simply what the characters are, not the topic of the story per se. And that’s also not why I wanted to read this one. New author to me, roller derby, these were the reasons that brought Crossed Over to me.
While it’s a pretty relatable coming-out tale, it’s also more than that. Nia’s relationship with her Brazilian immigrant mother is fascinating—in a terrifying way—I mean, when your mom is also your best friend and your therapist, something’s got to give at some point.
The autism representation feels accurate, as do the mental health and trauma aspects.
Crossed Over isn’t the most comfortable read, but Nia, despite what she believes, is easy to love and I couldn’t help rooting for her to find her way. I also love Harvey, the love interest. And of course, there’s roller derby, and the team. I wanted to hug Trixie, Jackie and Mercy, and to yell at Lonnie more often than not (even though they weren’t always wrong).
And then, there’s the final twist, which I absolutely didn’t see coming. I’m conflicted about it—in a good way this time. It’s not how I wanted the story to end, yet it makes sense, and it will also probably make the book more memorable to me. We’ll see how my brain deals with it. I’m also thoroughly intrigued by the other book in this series, False Start, which I hope to read soon.
If you’re looking for real (ironic, I know), messed up, and sometimes painful, Crossed Over feels like a book incarnation of roller derby and should as such get added to your TBR.
Video review (with Ginny): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAgfno...
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
April 21, 2024
so i’m part of santana’s arc team and i was SO flippin excited to read this. BUT I DIDNT KNOW IT WAS PART ONE OF A DUET!!!!!!
the ending in the first book is NOT a romance, and is very very much a slow burn (but the one scene we get is hot as fuck omgggg) but the duet as a whole will have a happy ending.
don’t let any of this sway you not to pick it up because this was just amazing. Nia’s relationship with her mother and how she viewed herself really hit home for me and it wasn’t difficult at all to put myself in Nia’s shoes. I couldn’t decide if I was more like Nia or Harvey because they both have some hang ups but Harvey was so caring and loving to Nia who didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. The way they came together and how Harvey helped Nia was just beautiful.
NOW THE ENDING AMD THE BONUS CHAPTER OF THE NEXT BOOK…..
i’m foaming at the mouth for the next one. i need it like yesterday 🫣😅
the ending in the first book is NOT a romance, and is very very much a slow burn (but the one scene we get is hot as fuck omgggg) but the duet as a whole will have a happy ending.
don’t let any of this sway you not to pick it up because this was just amazing. Nia’s relationship with her mother and how she viewed herself really hit home for me and it wasn’t difficult at all to put myself in Nia’s shoes. I couldn’t decide if I was more like Nia or Harvey because they both have some hang ups but Harvey was so caring and loving to Nia who didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. The way they came together and how Harvey helped Nia was just beautiful.
NOW THE ENDING AMD THE BONUS CHAPTER OF THE NEXT BOOK…..
i’m foaming at the mouth for the next one. i need it like yesterday 🫣😅
April 15, 2024
I’m going to be as honest as I can be without giving anything away..
I was a little skeptical on if I would be able to actually enjoy this book, unsure if I would be able to relate. But let me tell you, Santana did not disappoint!
I was sucked in from the beginning and by the end, I had tears in my eyes.
The writing and story were beautiful. I’m honored to have received an ARC of Crossed Over.
I was a little skeptical on if I would be able to actually enjoy this book, unsure if I would be able to relate. But let me tell you, Santana did not disappoint!
I was sucked in from the beginning and by the end, I had tears in my eyes.
The writing and story were beautiful. I’m honored to have received an ARC of Crossed Over.
August 7, 2024
♾️✨I sat around in silence after I finished this book because what the ever loving fuck was that.
The last 20% of this really felt like my soul left my body while reading. This story was just ADDICTING. I couldn’t get enough and all of the characters here were extremely well crafted and fleshed out for just being an intro book to a duet. My ass is invested, I’m seated and I can’t wait to dive into the next book immediately.
Also coming from a gay person the coming out element of this book was just so real and raw and really refreshing to read. This book was extremely well done, I’ll never be over it and I think everyone should read it. It’s so unique and the found family in here is superb.
The last 20% of this really felt like my soul left my body while reading. This story was just ADDICTING. I couldn’t get enough and all of the characters here were extremely well crafted and fleshed out for just being an intro book to a duet. My ass is invested, I’m seated and I can’t wait to dive into the next book immediately.
Also coming from a gay person the coming out element of this book was just so real and raw and really refreshing to read. This book was extremely well done, I’ll never be over it and I think everyone should read it. It’s so unique and the found family in here is superb.
July 6, 2024
Ahhh I get it now
This book hits on many different levels. Meet Nia, a roller derby jammer who has her legs busted up in a match. Now five years later she's still trying to get her life back and seems to be failing miserably. Her mother keeps calling Nia to come back to her, she is broke, just totaled her car, trying to regain courage to skate again and come to terms with being gay. That's a lot to deal with, but this story flows beautifully. The girls on the team are just what Nia needs to gather strength and courage from. Harvey is so perfect to show Nia what love is. I truly couldn't put this book down. It is smooth storytelling that I love. Then, there's that last chapter...I recommend this so very very much.
This book hits on many different levels. Meet Nia, a roller derby jammer who has her legs busted up in a match. Now five years later she's still trying to get her life back and seems to be failing miserably. Her mother keeps calling Nia to come back to her, she is broke, just totaled her car, trying to regain courage to skate again and come to terms with being gay. That's a lot to deal with, but this story flows beautifully. The girls on the team are just what Nia needs to gather strength and courage from. Harvey is so perfect to show Nia what love is. I truly couldn't put this book down. It is smooth storytelling that I love. Then, there's that last chapter...I recommend this so very very much.
December 31, 2024
Crossed Over is a very compelling book: both immensely interesting and quality in a number of facets and immensely flawed in others. I would genuinely recommend this to a good number of folks—and am looking forward to reading the follow-up—but I don't really think it's great. That being said, the author obviously is immensely talented in some regards, and the elements that weigh it down didn't arise out of a lack of skill.
The characters of Crossed Over were it's strongest part. Nia's an immensely compelling character which is especially impressive considering how elements of her anxiety and other mental health could lead to a really frustrating character to live inside for those who don't experience those things, but it really landed in that sweet spot for prioritizing empathetic reading for me. The romantic interest was another truly excellent character, and the majority of the side characters were lovely as well.
A number of other things stuck out as positives. The romance was great! It was really naturally built even if the resolution was a bit quick (more on that later). It's a book that really cares about representation and those elements are woven in beautifully, especially the cultural elements. The humor was well-placed and well-paced. The book has a recurring interest in hair in a way that deftly dodges cliché (no small feat). I liked the setting, although wanted more.
Getting into some negatives, or what I hope is constructive critique (On Goodreads? En esta economía?) starting with non-spoilery stuff. First, the pacing really struggles. The final chunk of this book is just a little too compressed. I get the desire to keep things at a quick clip, but it's just too much and the piece doesn't have time to breathe. The romance's resolution, the final game, and the ending encompass like 3-4 back-to-back chapters.
While I think the earlier parts of the book are paced better, there's a touch too much internal narration. It's pretty obviously intentional (a result of the character's anxiety, self-analysis overload, etc.) but it can really bog down scenes that don't need it, especially when some of the repeated ideas breach the levee of verisimilitude and just mire us in the swamp. I think overall whoever edited this (I don't have the book in front of me oops) did a wonderful job, but could've been a bit more heavy-handed with those types of cuts. Also while a lot of the prose was nice, there was a lack of focus that made even the stronger writing feel untethered to the words that surrounded it.
While this book nailed the romance, the sports element suffered. The author did a great job of ensuring the (literal) plot revolved around roller derby, it didn't feel like a irreplaceable part of the thematic core of the piece. There are some compelling ideas flirted with—the inherent queerness of roller derby, the elision of violence and femininity, circular thinking reflected in the track design, an excuse for the ensemble cast to exist, etc.—but it really didn't justify the sport being the center of the work. I can feel the author's love of roller derby, but not as much a love for sports literature. That's a smaller gripe though, tbh.
Okay ending stuff lmao.
Also what about the beans??? The arc I was most attached to was the feijoada and they never got to eat it? Truly this is a tragic romance u_u
I had a wonderful time reading this in spite of some pretty major flaws. The ending left it on a sour note, but I genuinely enjoyed myself, look forward to see what the hell the author does with the follow-up, and am really excited to see folks being able to publish these kinda books. There's some refinement I think I'd really love to see, but everyone has room for growth.Except for the beans, an unforgivable sin.
The characters of Crossed Over were it's strongest part. Nia's an immensely compelling character which is especially impressive considering how elements of her anxiety and other mental health could lead to a really frustrating character to live inside for those who don't experience those things, but it really landed in that sweet spot for prioritizing empathetic reading for me. The romantic interest was another truly excellent character, and the majority of the side characters were lovely as well.
A number of other things stuck out as positives. The romance was great! It was really naturally built even if the resolution was a bit quick (more on that later). It's a book that really cares about representation and those elements are woven in beautifully, especially the cultural elements. The humor was well-placed and well-paced. The book has a recurring interest in hair in a way that deftly dodges cliché (no small feat). I liked the setting, although wanted more.
Getting into some negatives, or what I hope is constructive critique (On Goodreads? En esta economía?) starting with non-spoilery stuff. First, the pacing really struggles. The final chunk of this book is just a little too compressed. I get the desire to keep things at a quick clip, but it's just too much and the piece doesn't have time to breathe. The romance's resolution, the final game, and the ending encompass like 3-4 back-to-back chapters.
While I think the earlier parts of the book are paced better, there's a touch too much internal narration. It's pretty obviously intentional (a result of the character's anxiety, self-analysis overload, etc.) but it can really bog down scenes that don't need it, especially when some of the repeated ideas breach the levee of verisimilitude and just mire us in the swamp. I think overall whoever edited this (I don't have the book in front of me oops) did a wonderful job, but could've been a bit more heavy-handed with those types of cuts. Also while a lot of the prose was nice, there was a lack of focus that made even the stronger writing feel untethered to the words that surrounded it.
While this book nailed the romance, the sports element suffered. The author did a great job of ensuring the (literal) plot revolved around roller derby, it didn't feel like a irreplaceable part of the thematic core of the piece. There are some compelling ideas flirted with—the inherent queerness of roller derby, the elision of violence and femininity, circular thinking reflected in the track design, an excuse for the ensemble cast to exist, etc.—but it really didn't justify the sport being the center of the work. I can feel the author's love of roller derby, but not as much a love for sports literature. That's a smaller gripe though, tbh.
Okay ending stuff lmao.
Also what about the beans??? The arc I was most attached to was the feijoada and they never got to eat it? Truly this is a tragic romance u_u
I had a wonderful time reading this in spite of some pretty major flaws. The ending left it on a sour note, but I genuinely enjoyed myself, look forward to see what the hell the author does with the follow-up, and am really excited to see folks being able to publish these kinda books. There's some refinement I think I'd really love to see, but everyone has room for growth.
April 25, 2024
♾️/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚋𝚘 𝚏��𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛."
Well. I don’t quite know what to do with my life right now. Crossed Over was unlike any other book I’ve ever read, and I feel so validated. Nia’s constant inner turmoil was all too relatable, and the journey to self discovery was the definition of cathartic. I spent half of the book nodding my understanding and questioning if Santana actually wrote this book about me before I spent a good portion of time just cheesing my ass off at my digital pages. BUT it is also one of the few books that has actually made tears well up in my eyes, too. So needless to say, it will drag a myriad of emotions from you throughout the reading process. To be quite honest, I’m not really okay after this one, and if you’re going in thinking that this is going to be an epic tale of romance, it’s not. It was, however, the best non-romance book I’ve ever read. Read it.
"𝖬𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗇 𝗈𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇."
" 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚞𝚜."
———————————————————————-
“𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕."
————————————————————————
"𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚎."
Edit: After I’ve sat on this for over a week:
♾️/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️
Crossed Over was one of those books that alters your brain chemistry. I finished over a week ago and have still not been able to stop thinking about it. It’s one of those that stays with you and imprints itself onto your soul. The way this book was highly relatable is an understatement. I felt like it was written about me. Very few books make me feel seen and heal my heart while simultaneously providing me with an escape. Crossed Over does that. I can’t say too much about the book because this is one you have to just experience for yourself without any kind of spoilers. I wish I could read it for the first time again. Top read of the year so far. Thank you, Santana for throwing all your love and pain and healing into this. I can’t wait for the world to experience this one.
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚋𝚘 𝚏��𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛."
Well. I don’t quite know what to do with my life right now. Crossed Over was unlike any other book I’ve ever read, and I feel so validated. Nia’s constant inner turmoil was all too relatable, and the journey to self discovery was the definition of cathartic. I spent half of the book nodding my understanding and questioning if Santana actually wrote this book about me before I spent a good portion of time just cheesing my ass off at my digital pages. BUT it is also one of the few books that has actually made tears well up in my eyes, too. So needless to say, it will drag a myriad of emotions from you throughout the reading process. To be quite honest, I’m not really okay after this one, and if you’re going in thinking that this is going to be an epic tale of romance, it’s not. It was, however, the best non-romance book I’ve ever read. Read it.
"𝖬𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗇 𝗈𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇."
" 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚞𝚜."
———————————————————————-
“𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕."
————————————————————————
"𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚎."
Edit: After I’ve sat on this for over a week:
♾️/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️
Crossed Over was one of those books that alters your brain chemistry. I finished over a week ago and have still not been able to stop thinking about it. It’s one of those that stays with you and imprints itself onto your soul. The way this book was highly relatable is an understatement. I felt like it was written about me. Very few books make me feel seen and heal my heart while simultaneously providing me with an escape. Crossed Over does that. I can’t say too much about the book because this is one you have to just experience for yourself without any kind of spoilers. I wish I could read it for the first time again. Top read of the year so far. Thank you, Santana for throwing all your love and pain and healing into this. I can’t wait for the world to experience this one.
May 23, 2024
I love it when a book makes me feel things. Usually I read darker books, but Santana wrote this and it’s a coming out story, so I had to read it! I was not disappointed. The author wrote a beautiful story and I am happy I read it. The story and characters made me laugh, feel for them and relate to some of it. The ending of this book was a total mindf*ck and had my eyes tearing up, but I loved the ending nonetheless. What a journey!
In this book you will find:
🛼Roller derby
🛼Sapphic
🛼Autistic FMC
🛼Found family
🛼Injury trauma
🛼Be your own hero
🛼Mommy issues
🛼I want to be her...no..I want her
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5
In this book you will find:
🛼Roller derby
🛼Sapphic
🛼Autistic FMC
🛼Found family
🛼Injury trauma
🛼Be your own hero
🛼Mommy issues
🛼I want to be her...no..I want her
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫/5
May 27, 2024
This book was just so very well written!
I literally devoured it in 1 afternoon!
It really captures so many emotions & makes you feel Nia's thoughts & her insecurities.
It is NOT a romance, even though it is a coming out story.
Definitely give this a read!
I literally devoured it in 1 afternoon!
It really captures so many emotions & makes you feel Nia's thoughts & her insecurities.
It is NOT a romance, even though it is a coming out story.
Definitely give this a read!
June 10, 2024
EXCUSE ME BUT WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING
*salivates for book 2 all the same*
*salivates for book 2 all the same*
December 12, 2024
I am speechless…..
April 15, 2024
This book PISSED me off. But in a good way? I don’t know it is still fresh in my mind. If you are anything like me then when Whip It came out you became OBSESSED with roller derby. So when Santana announce a fucking roller derby book I was ACTIVELY waiting for it to drop. I couldn’t imagine receiving an ARV. But I did! My first ARC and she did me like this?!?! That’s what makes a good ass writer though. An author that gets you feeling a typer of way. Damn.
Nia is a jammer on her derby team. She’s FAST on the track. But when an injury causes her to take a 5 year break, she comes back worried she’s not made of what she used to be. Nia meets Harvey a 6 foot sapphic blocker queen. Harvey knows the buttons to push on Nia to make her stay and see what she’s made of after all these years. After Nia gets frustrated after a scrimmage she leaves angry causing her to wreck her car. Nia ends up down to her last $6 and gets evicted from the hotel she’s staying at. Harvey being the nice person she is takes Nia in to stay with her. After some time together Harvey thinks Nia is interested in her but when Nia tells her she’s not gay, Harvey doesn’t believe her, but lets it go. Nia continues to self sabotage herself and Harvey tries to let her go, but will Nia finally cave and realize the reason she wants to be around Harvey so much isn’t because she’s a REALLY good friend? Is it possible she sees and feels more? Will she stay and skate in the Bout? Or will she run away?
Nia is a jammer on her derby team. She’s FAST on the track. But when an injury causes her to take a 5 year break, she comes back worried she’s not made of what she used to be. Nia meets Harvey a 6 foot sapphic blocker queen. Harvey knows the buttons to push on Nia to make her stay and see what she’s made of after all these years. After Nia gets frustrated after a scrimmage she leaves angry causing her to wreck her car. Nia ends up down to her last $6 and gets evicted from the hotel she’s staying at. Harvey being the nice person she is takes Nia in to stay with her. After some time together Harvey thinks Nia is interested in her but when Nia tells her she’s not gay, Harvey doesn’t believe her, but lets it go. Nia continues to self sabotage herself and Harvey tries to let her go, but will Nia finally cave and realize the reason she wants to be around Harvey so much isn’t because she’s a REALLY good friend? Is it possible she sees and feels more? Will she stay and skate in the Bout? Or will she run away?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
This was so absolutely well fucking written.
I’ve never planned to immediately reread a book before I’ve even finished it. And then the last 5 pages happened.
What the bloody fucking fuck??????
I’m flabbergasted.
I’m slightly distraught.
I rebuke that ending in the name of Kitty Harvey.
But I also kinda loved it??????????
I’ve never planned to immediately reread a book before I’ve even finished it. And then the last 5 pages happened.
What the bloody fucking fuck??????
I’m flabbergasted.
I’m slightly distraught.
I rebuke that ending in the name of Kitty Harvey.
But I also kinda loved it??????????
April 29, 2024
I didn’t know what to expect while reading this but it definitely wasn’t what I read
Who am I?
That one thought was what went through my mind as I read about Nia.
This isn’t a romance but a beautiful story on becoming who you are and accepting that.
I am Nia.
The relationship between her and her mom…*crying in mommy issues*
“No one could make me hate myself like a ten-minute phone call with my mother could.
Yet, despite it all, she was still my best friend.” I CANNOT 😭
The way Harvey just knew what to say or how to respond to something without a second thought is an over thinkers DREAM. The reassurance it gives and not having to ask or start creating your own answer in your mind🥺
Santana made me feel seen, the way she perfectly explains all of my over analyzing, never asking for help, not wanting to burden people with my problems and especially being in a love/hate relationship with my own mother (I couldn’t live without her though, I need her.) This book made me laugh, CRY, scream and question myself so much. I absolutely loved every second of this.
Thank you for writing such an incredible journey with a Santana Knox ending.
Who am I?
That one thought was what went through my mind as I read about Nia.
This isn’t a romance but a beautiful story on becoming who you are and accepting that.
I am Nia.
The relationship between her and her mom…*crying in mommy issues*
“No one could make me hate myself like a ten-minute phone call with my mother could.
Yet, despite it all, she was still my best friend.” I CANNOT 😭
The way Harvey just knew what to say or how to respond to something without a second thought is an over thinkers DREAM. The reassurance it gives and not having to ask or start creating your own answer in your mind🥺
Santana made me feel seen, the way she perfectly explains all of my over analyzing, never asking for help, not wanting to burden people with my problems and especially being in a love/hate relationship with my own mother (I couldn’t live without her though, I need her.) This book made me laugh, CRY, scream and question myself so much. I absolutely loved every second of this.
Thank you for writing such an incredible journey with a Santana Knox ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
An updated review will come once I’ve finished sobbing
Review: Wow. Okay. First of all, I’m gonna need Santana to pay for my therapy bills after that one! What. A. Cliffhanger. I related to this book a lot and as an autistic/ND queer female, I feel attacked! I usually have really good pattern recognition, and I usually ruin the end of books for myself because of it… but I did NOT see that twist coming. It still has me distraught and I finished it days ago. If you are looking for a book with Autistic rep, sapphic and non-binary rep, mommy issues, found family, and a heart wrenching story of becoming your own hero, finding yourself and being true to who you are with some added spice and a jaw dropping twist you won’t see coming, please go pick this book up. It is easily my favorite read of the year so far, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes. A reminder to check the content warnings, and remember that this is NOT a romance.
Thank you so much, Santana for sending me an ARC of this book. I am so thankful that you brought this story to life. It means a lot to me.
Review: Wow. Okay. First of all, I’m gonna need Santana to pay for my therapy bills after that one! What. A. Cliffhanger. I related to this book a lot and as an autistic/ND queer female, I feel attacked! I usually have really good pattern recognition, and I usually ruin the end of books for myself because of it… but I did NOT see that twist coming. It still has me distraught and I finished it days ago. If you are looking for a book with Autistic rep, sapphic and non-binary rep, mommy issues, found family, and a heart wrenching story of becoming your own hero, finding yourself and being true to who you are with some added spice and a jaw dropping twist you won’t see coming, please go pick this book up. It is easily my favorite read of the year so far, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes. A reminder to check the content warnings, and remember that this is NOT a romance.
Thank you so much, Santana for sending me an ARC of this book. I am so thankful that you brought this story to life. It means a lot to me.
June 17, 2024
I was blown away by this book. I went into this book completely blind and it's the way to go. I didn't know a thing about this book before I read it and the twists this book had shocked the hell out of me.
This was such a remarkable coming out story about discovery and acceptance. It made me feel so many emotions it was a rollercoaster. One I would happily ride again and again! This book stays on your mind long after reading.
Nia is such a deep complex person with flaws and struggles. You can't help but want to cheer her on. But I related to Harvey so deeply with her need to give everything to everyone while feeling like she gets nothing in return.
Santana’s writing is brilliant and will leave you gasping. I don't know how I'll be able to continue on without reading the next book immediately!
This was such a remarkable coming out story about discovery and acceptance. It made me feel so many emotions it was a rollercoaster. One I would happily ride again and again! This book stays on your mind long after reading.
Nia is such a deep complex person with flaws and struggles. You can't help but want to cheer her on. But I related to Harvey so deeply with her need to give everything to everyone while feeling like she gets nothing in return.
Santana’s writing is brilliant and will leave you gasping. I don't know how I'll be able to continue on without reading the next book immediately!
April 26, 2024
Most importantly, thank you Santana for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC)
Let’s be clear - this is not a HEA, it has Sapphic themes but is not exclusively a romance story
**There are Content & Trigger Warnings, please be mindful and protect your peace before beginning
I truly believe this is Santana’s best work yet. This book is… EVERYTHING, and then somehow even more was added. I knew the tropes and some of the teasers but it exceeded that excitement. Five years after a brutal leg injury, Antonía, better referred to as Nia, returns to her hometown to shake off her past life with Devil Dames. What she doesn’t anticipate is reigniting long forgotten familiarities, and begins to question why she believes she needs to leave it all behind.
I resonated with a lot of the internal struggles Nia grapples did. The lingering familial expectations, uncertainty, found family, discovering or maybe even understanding one’s sexuality. This has so much depth and layers, that I never anticipated with a Roller Derby, Sapphic story.
I don’t do spoilers but I will say this left my ugly crying, the kind that has you wiping your nose on your sleeves
Let’s be clear - this is not a HEA, it has Sapphic themes but is not exclusively a romance story
**There are Content & Trigger Warnings, please be mindful and protect your peace before beginning
I truly believe this is Santana’s best work yet. This book is… EVERYTHING, and then somehow even more was added. I knew the tropes and some of the teasers but it exceeded that excitement. Five years after a brutal leg injury, Antonía, better referred to as Nia, returns to her hometown to shake off her past life with Devil Dames. What she doesn’t anticipate is reigniting long forgotten familiarities, and begins to question why she believes she needs to leave it all behind.
I resonated with a lot of the internal struggles Nia grapples did. The lingering familial expectations, uncertainty, found family, discovering or maybe even understanding one’s sexuality. This has so much depth and layers, that I never anticipated with a Roller Derby, Sapphic story.
I don’t do spoilers but I will say this left my ugly crying, the kind that has you wiping your nose on your sleeves
September 29, 2024
5 stars
This book broke me, but in the best way. Nia's journey is such a relatable one. For anyone who has hidden that part of themselves, this story will hit home pretty hard. I did not predict how this story would end. It's not a love story. It doesn't have an HEA, but the ending is fitting and still feels right. I felt emotional but oddly satisfied. Santana Knox did an amazing job with sprinkling in little hints of the truth that you don't realize until the ending hits you like a Mack truck. This story is therapeutic, real, and so raw. I fell in love with this so easily, and literary fiction isn't always my jam. This one will stick with me for a while, and I highly recommend anyone and everyone to check this one out.
This book broke me, but in the best way. Nia's journey is such a relatable one. For anyone who has hidden that part of themselves, this story will hit home pretty hard. I did not predict how this story would end. It's not a love story. It doesn't have an HEA, but the ending is fitting and still feels right. I felt emotional but oddly satisfied. Santana Knox did an amazing job with sprinkling in little hints of the truth that you don't realize until the ending hits you like a Mack truck. This story is therapeutic, real, and so raw. I fell in love with this so easily, and literary fiction isn't always my jam. This one will stick with me for a while, and I highly recommend anyone and everyone to check this one out.
April 15, 2024
I finished this book in one sitting. So far I have not read one book by Santana Knox that I have not been engulfed entirely by! This book was no different. The way it is built up, some of the topics and underlying problems that are discussed are so down to earth and easy to connect to. I laughed my ass off at multiple points, the attitudes of the characters are 🤌🏽 chief kiss.
BUT WHAT REALLY GETS YOU IS THAT ENDING!!!! I was in no way expecting that but at the same time it still makes you feel whole and happy about this book.
BUT WHAT REALLY GETS YOU IS THAT ENDING!!!! I was in no way expecting that but at the same time it still makes you feel whole and happy about this book.
April 25, 2024
I— I am genuinely speechless. This book, this story. Just wow. I received a ARC copy and will forever be grateful that i got one.
I laughed, I cried (heard), and felt my heart be one so full. Nia was such a good strong FMC of this story. Instantly lovable. Her journey of overcoming trauma, to finding who she is in this world was so heartwarming.
This book was beautifully written. The story was wonderfully told. And I am so blessed to have been able to read this. As soon as I finished I immediately told 5 people they had to read it when it comes out. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending this to people. It absolutely stole my heart.
I laughed, I cried (heard), and felt my heart be one so full. Nia was such a good strong FMC of this story. Instantly lovable. Her journey of overcoming trauma, to finding who she is in this world was so heartwarming.
This book was beautifully written. The story was wonderfully told. And I am so blessed to have been able to read this. As soon as I finished I immediately told 5 people they had to read it when it comes out. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending this to people. It absolutely stole my heart.
April 25, 2024
This. Freaking. Book.
Even though it is only 231 pages, you feel every ounce of emotion in each page. I can’t say I’ve ever read a story like this one. It made me laugh, tear up, feel so many emotions that I myself feel on a daily basis, relate to so many elements within the story, and just sit there in awe at the beautiful work that Santana created.
“I was in my own mental hell, held hostage between needing help and not wanting to tell anyone how badly I was struggling.”
“Half of me was tied up in a chair in my mind, locked behind the back porch of my consciousness, screaming for the imposter to remove their Antônia costume and let me take the wheel again.”
“Maybe everything has to end in order to start again.”
Thank you Santana for writing Nia’s story, I can’t tell you how much it means to be able to relate to a character so much. 🖤
Even though it is only 231 pages, you feel every ounce of emotion in each page. I can’t say I’ve ever read a story like this one. It made me laugh, tear up, feel so many emotions that I myself feel on a daily basis, relate to so many elements within the story, and just sit there in awe at the beautiful work that Santana created.
“I was in my own mental hell, held hostage between needing help and not wanting to tell anyone how badly I was struggling.”
“Half of me was tied up in a chair in my mind, locked behind the back porch of my consciousness, screaming for the imposter to remove their Antônia costume and let me take the wheel again.”
“Maybe everything has to end in order to start again.”
Thank you Santana for writing Nia’s story, I can’t tell you how much it means to be able to relate to a character so much. 🖤
March 12, 2025
i read this so quickly it was so easy to just keep reading. but wtf the ending 😭😭😭 that was the last thing i expected
January 31, 2025
started and finished in one day, didn’t want to put it down and wished it was longer.
definitely wasn’t expecting the end 😭
also made me want to get into roller derby so bad and i need to watch whip it again
definitely wasn’t expecting the end 😭
also made me want to get into roller derby so bad and i need to watch whip it again
May 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
🛼Rollar Derby
💗Sapphic
🛼Found Family
💗Mother Wounds
🛼Autistic FMC
💗Coming Out
I’m still reeling from the ending. Ahhhh! The ending has me staring at the wall!
This was such an amazing book! I was lucky enough to have the chance to ARC read Crossed Over.
Santana has written such beautiful characters. The romance in Crossed Over was written so perfect. The tension is everything.
I will be recommending Crossed Over to everyone I can! I don’t want to give too much away because I’m still shocked by the ending.
🌶️
🛼Rollar Derby
💗Sapphic
🛼Found Family
💗Mother Wounds
🛼Autistic FMC
💗Coming Out
I’m still reeling from the ending. Ahhhh! The ending has me staring at the wall!
This was such an amazing book! I was lucky enough to have the chance to ARC read Crossed Over.
Santana has written such beautiful characters. The romance in Crossed Over was written so perfect. The tension is everything.
I will be recommending Crossed Over to everyone I can! I don’t want to give too much away because I’m still shocked by the ending.
May 24, 2024
The ending….
May 23, 2024
antonia + harvey
-coming out story
-roller derby
-autism rep
-latina rep
-nonbinary rep
this book straight up fucked. me. up. 🙃🙃 so there's that.
-coming out story
-roller derby
-autism rep
-latina rep
-nonbinary rep
this book straight up fucked. me. up. 🙃🙃 so there's that.
July 8, 2024
Well I certainly wasn’t prepared to finish this on a TRAIN in PUBLIC.
November 9, 2025
Fabulous read!!!
In Crossed Over, we meet Nia Da Silva. Nia is fast on wheels and fierce in the roller derby rink. But a debilitating injury takes her out of the rink and does a number on not only her body… but her confidence as well. With nothing left.. she leaves her teammates and her hometown along with all her dreams behind.
Now, Nia is back. Back to the town that holds her worst scars. Her injury is healed for the most part, but her heart and her mind? That’s far from healed and she soon finds out that running away didn’t work.
Nia has a lot of demons she has to face. Whether or not to put the skates back on.. what once made her feel so free, makes her feel heavy. Her Brazilian immigrant mother who can be both her best friend and her toughest critic, and a major secret that she’s been keeping bottled up. On the roller derby track, she finds some amazing support. Her teammates see past her injuries. And then.. there’s Harvey. Harvey is strong, grounded, and sees right thru Nia. Harvey knows that Nia is self-sabotaging.
Can Nia finally overcome her inner demons and face the truth?
Crossed Over is a sapphic story about coming home to your truth. It’s about healing, facing your fears, and becoming your own hero for yourself. The story is raw and gritty and digs into one’s true identity and resilience. It’s a great representation of Latin culture, the struggles of an immigrant parent, as well as a fantastic coming out story. I loved the roller-derby setting. Such an adreline rush witnessing Nia get back out on that track. Also has a great balance of humor & heartbreak. I absolutely loved this story and the author’s writing!
In Crossed Over, we meet Nia Da Silva. Nia is fast on wheels and fierce in the roller derby rink. But a debilitating injury takes her out of the rink and does a number on not only her body… but her confidence as well. With nothing left.. she leaves her teammates and her hometown along with all her dreams behind.
Now, Nia is back. Back to the town that holds her worst scars. Her injury is healed for the most part, but her heart and her mind? That’s far from healed and she soon finds out that running away didn’t work.
Nia has a lot of demons she has to face. Whether or not to put the skates back on.. what once made her feel so free, makes her feel heavy. Her Brazilian immigrant mother who can be both her best friend and her toughest critic, and a major secret that she’s been keeping bottled up. On the roller derby track, she finds some amazing support. Her teammates see past her injuries. And then.. there’s Harvey. Harvey is strong, grounded, and sees right thru Nia. Harvey knows that Nia is self-sabotaging.
Can Nia finally overcome her inner demons and face the truth?
Crossed Over is a sapphic story about coming home to your truth. It’s about healing, facing your fears, and becoming your own hero for yourself. The story is raw and gritty and digs into one’s true identity and resilience. It’s a great representation of Latin culture, the struggles of an immigrant parent, as well as a fantastic coming out story. I loved the roller-derby setting. Such an adreline rush witnessing Nia get back out on that track. Also has a great balance of humor & heartbreak. I absolutely loved this story and the author’s writing!
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