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The Girl Who Saved Me
On the outskirts of Miami, Rianna Vasquez moves through life in survival mode, caught in a cycle of choices that yield more risk than reward. One night, when things get out of hand and she’s brought to the brink of death, she meets an enchanting young woman in a dream. Although she wakes to her cold reality, she can’t shake the warm feeling lingering inside her. Inspired by the warmth, and convinced that the woman was real, she sets out to find her the very next day.
Two years later, after returning to Puerto Rico, Ria now lives a quieter life with a brand new vice. Tourists. Having traded danger for distraction, she finds comfort in the anonymity, sure not to let anyone get too close. That is until she is unexpectedly reunited with someone from her past. The connection is immediate and unexpected. Before she knows it, she finds herself falling wildly in love for the first time in her life. Although, there’s just one problem. The memory of her dream still lingers in her mind.
Now, caught between the love that she’s found and the mystery that gave her hope, Ria has to decide whether to follow what feels real… or what feels like fate.
Book contains sensitive subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.
Two years later, after returning to Puerto Rico, Ria now lives a quieter life with a brand new vice. Tourists. Having traded danger for distraction, she finds comfort in the anonymity, sure not to let anyone get too close. That is until she is unexpectedly reunited with someone from her past. The connection is immediate and unexpected. Before she knows it, she finds herself falling wildly in love for the first time in her life. Although, there’s just one problem. The memory of her dream still lingers in her mind.
Now, caught between the love that she’s found and the mystery that gave her hope, Ria has to decide whether to follow what feels real… or what feels like fate.
Book contains sensitive subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2024
8 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Jessi Rodriguez
2 books15 followersBorn in the mountains of Tennessee and raised between two cultures, Jessi Rodriguez moved to Miami at 18 years old for a fresh start. She draws on real experiences and dreamlike intuition to create stories about survival, second chances, and love that lingers. When she is not writing, she is probably working one of her three jobs to make it in the big city. Or she's at the beach. She loves the beach.
Follow Jessi here on Goodreads to get updates on new releases, book updates, and behind-the-scene sneak peaks.
Follow Jessi here on Goodreads to get updates on new releases, book updates, and behind-the-scene sneak peaks.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 15, 2025
4⭐️
"The Girl Who Saved Me" is Jessi Rodriguez's debut book, telling the story of Rianna, who was abandoned as a child. She now lives in an unhealthy relationship with a woman in Miami. Violence, drugs, and alcohol are part of everyday life. But on a horrible day, a woman appears to her in a dream and gives her something special – hope. Can this dream woman help her break free from the destructive cycle she finds herself in?
It's a gripping, tough story about self-discovery, liberation, healing, hope, and love. Ria's path to a better life is rocky and sometimes brutal. At the beginning, I wanted to shake her a few times to wake her up so that she would fight back and try to get off the self-destructive and abusive path. I myself grew up in a sheltered environment and can hardly imagine how difficult it must have been for Ria to escape this situation.
The story is exciting and sometimes uncomfortable. Ria's behavior, shaped by everything she had experienced, didn't always make it easy for me to like her when she fell into similar patterns of behavior as testosterone-driven men. However, it was exciting to witness Ria's journey and transformation, as well as how she ultimately found peace with the past.
The novel is refreshing and raw. The ideas, plots, main characters, and supporting characters are well established and interwoven. But I would have liked to have had a little more background on Ria and Rosa, as a few things were only hinted at. It would have given the two women more depth, and I would have been able to understand them better as people. I couldn't really figure out Rosa in particular. And what I personally missed the most was how Ria finally managed to get from Miami to Puerto Rico, as there is a two-year time jump that we know almost nothing about.
I could really feel the attraction and chemistry between the two, and I found it convincing that Rosa didn't immediately get involved with Ria. Their relationship had its beautiful sides, but it also had its rough edges and wasn't all sunshine and roses. The dynamic in the relationship was a little shaky at the beginning, but in the end, they were able to balance it out.
The ending is unusual, and I'm not entirely sure I understood it correctly. For a debut novel, however, it's a very good story, and as the author says, some parts are based on true events. Perhaps a few too many themes were packed in, which meant that not all of them could be properly explored. Nevertheless, it's a strong debut from Jessi Rodriguez, and I will definitely read her next book.
Thank you to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
"The Girl Who Saved Me" is Jessi Rodriguez's debut book, telling the story of Rianna, who was abandoned as a child. She now lives in an unhealthy relationship with a woman in Miami. Violence, drugs, and alcohol are part of everyday life. But on a horrible day, a woman appears to her in a dream and gives her something special – hope. Can this dream woman help her break free from the destructive cycle she finds herself in?
It's a gripping, tough story about self-discovery, liberation, healing, hope, and love. Ria's path to a better life is rocky and sometimes brutal. At the beginning, I wanted to shake her a few times to wake her up so that she would fight back and try to get off the self-destructive and abusive path. I myself grew up in a sheltered environment and can hardly imagine how difficult it must have been for Ria to escape this situation.
The story is exciting and sometimes uncomfortable. Ria's behavior, shaped by everything she had experienced, didn't always make it easy for me to like her when she fell into similar patterns of behavior as testosterone-driven men. However, it was exciting to witness Ria's journey and transformation, as well as how she ultimately found peace with the past.
The novel is refreshing and raw. The ideas, plots, main characters, and supporting characters are well established and interwoven. But I would have liked to have had a little more background on Ria and Rosa, as a few things were only hinted at. It would have given the two women more depth, and I would have been able to understand them better as people. I couldn't really figure out Rosa in particular. And what I personally missed the most was how Ria finally managed to get from Miami to Puerto Rico, as there is a two-year time jump that we know almost nothing about.
I could really feel the attraction and chemistry between the two, and I found it convincing that Rosa didn't immediately get involved with Ria. Their relationship had its beautiful sides, but it also had its rough edges and wasn't all sunshine and roses. The dynamic in the relationship was a little shaky at the beginning, but in the end, they were able to balance it out.
The ending is unusual, and I'm not entirely sure I understood it correctly. For a debut novel, however, it's a very good story, and as the author says, some parts are based on true events. Perhaps a few too many themes were packed in, which meant that not all of them could be properly explored. Nevertheless, it's a strong debut from Jessi Rodriguez, and I will definitely read her next book.
Thank you to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
"A powerful, emotional, and beautifully inspiring love story!"
What a fantastic book! From the very beginning, I was hooked, and Ria’s journey of self-growth was an incredible read. Watching her rise from the trauma of childhood abandonment and the pain of physical abuse to become such a strong, independent woman was truly remarkable and inspiring.
Ria and Rosie’s connection was pure and undeniable—their chemistry was palpable and perfectly written. They really are made for each other, and their story was a joy to follow.
I absolutely loved this storyline. The ups and downs, the moments of self-love and healing, and the powerful growth Ria goes through all came together to create something really special. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and honestly can’t recommend it enough!
A huge thank you to Jessi for the opportunity to read this incredible story—I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
What a fantastic book! From the very beginning, I was hooked, and Ria’s journey of self-growth was an incredible read. Watching her rise from the trauma of childhood abandonment and the pain of physical abuse to become such a strong, independent woman was truly remarkable and inspiring.
Ria and Rosie’s connection was pure and undeniable—their chemistry was palpable and perfectly written. They really are made for each other, and their story was a joy to follow.
I absolutely loved this storyline. The ups and downs, the moments of self-love and healing, and the powerful growth Ria goes through all came together to create something really special. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and honestly can’t recommend it enough!
A huge thank you to Jessi for the opportunity to read this incredible story—I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
¡Wepa! Estuvo muy brutal.
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I think it was quite well written. There was humor and some funny moments. Despite some happiness in the story, it felt a little dark; there was always a feeling of intensity and tension that permeated throughout from the beginning right up to the end. It felt like something bad was just about to happen right around the corner or Ria would burst into a fit of anger. She has anger issues and still has them.
The ending was sweet. A nice resolution to all that she had longed and searched for. Though perhaps not a complete closure to the story. Always a lingering of something uncertain in the background..
Thank you Jessi for offering your book 💙
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I think it was quite well written. There was humor and some funny moments. Despite some happiness in the story, it felt a little dark; there was always a feeling of intensity and tension that permeated throughout from the beginning right up to the end. It felt like something bad was just about to happen right around the corner or Ria would burst into a fit of anger. She has anger issues and still has them.
The ending was sweet. A nice resolution to all that she had longed and searched for. Though perhaps not a complete closure to the story. Always a lingering of something uncertain in the background..
Thank you Jessi for offering your book 💙
July 17, 2025
3.5 ✨ Rounded Up
The Girl who Saved Me follow Ria, a young woman in Florida who runs with the wrong crowd. Between dating an abusive partner and sound drugs, she struggles to find purpose.
One day, she’s on the brink of death when a woman comes to her in her dreams and gives her something: love, care, hope.
Ria escape back to her island of Puerto Rico to hopefully find the woman, or at least her purpose.
The early chapters were a bit confusing, but the further I read the more it all clicked together. The storyline was super interesting and I wanted to keep reading, but there were a few holes in the story.
Certain parts seems a bit far fetched, but it’s hard to make that opinion since this story is inspired by true events. The writing was a bit different than I’m used to, but it didn’t take away from the story itself.
Overall the ending gave a wonderful meaning that tied the whole thing together. The sex scenes were a bit much for me, but that’s all personal thoughts. For a first book, I will say this was a good read!
The Girl who Saved Me follow Ria, a young woman in Florida who runs with the wrong crowd. Between dating an abusive partner and sound drugs, she struggles to find purpose.
One day, she’s on the brink of death when a woman comes to her in her dreams and gives her something: love, care, hope.
Ria escape back to her island of Puerto Rico to hopefully find the woman, or at least her purpose.
The early chapters were a bit confusing, but the further I read the more it all clicked together. The storyline was super interesting and I wanted to keep reading, but there were a few holes in the story.
Certain parts seems a bit far fetched, but it’s hard to make that opinion since this story is inspired by true events. The writing was a bit different than I’m used to, but it didn’t take away from the story itself.
Overall the ending gave a wonderful meaning that tied the whole thing together. The sex scenes were a bit much for me, but that’s all personal thoughts. For a first book, I will say this was a good read!
November 25, 2025
The Girl Who saves me is a beautifully told story of trauma, healing and love. It has ribbons of Ria’s life throughout that all come together at the end to make a perfectly imperfect bow. It’s well written and kept we wondering how all the bits of the story would come together, and it did come together beautifully.
Tiggers for drugs, alcohol and domestic abuse. Ria has a tough life and her journey is long and hard. Her strength is remarkable and I’m so happy she got to create a life she deserves.
Tiggers for drugs, alcohol and domestic abuse. Ria has a tough life and her journey is long and hard. Her strength is remarkable and I’m so happy she got to create a life she deserves.
June 25, 2025
I didn’t think this book was gonna hit me the way it did. It felt so real, messy, emotional, honest. I laughed, I cried, I got all in my feelings. I read it in 3 days and I’m still thinking about it. Such a great read, definitely recommend.
July 10, 2025
Very much one of the best books I’ve ever picked up! A true emotional connection that will never be forgotten! For life and any person. More than 5 star rating! 😍
October 8, 2023
Finished it in one day!
Wow this book was such a good read I couldn’t put it down!! It keeps you guessing until the very end. I absolutely loved the ending and had to read it twice! You did great little sis
Wow this book was such a good read I couldn’t put it down!! It keeps you guessing until the very end. I absolutely loved the ending and had to read it twice! You did great little sis
November 9, 2025
3.5 rounded up because this is a debut novel.
I'll avoid the plot synopsis as others have already done that, though I'll add that the ending, while I'm not going to say it seemed "tacked on," it didn't have the foreshadowing elements necessary to make it make sense either. There were some interesting plot twists, but some of the setups and executions seemed to be confined to single chapters and I was left wanting a a longer, more developed novel. That's not to say this was bad -- far from it. There was simply so much novel contained in too few pages and because of it, the emotional impact ended up being less than it could have been.
While both Ria and Rosie were believable characters, I personally didn't like them. Which isn't to say that can't be done, there are plenty of novels with unlikable MCs. But as romantic partners, they seemed to have an unhealthily antagonistic relationship, and not in an enemies-to-lovers sort of way. That's personal preference, however, and I didn't rate the book lower because of it. Plenty of readers will like the initial hunter-prey vibe, even if the prey flirts with everyone to make the other jealous, as well as to her own detriment. I also wanted to explore the journey of how Ria got out of her initial situation. We jump from a decision to leave right to working out with her boys and it's just not that simple. That's an entire novel's worth of themes right there.
The spice was well-written and not cringey, with plenty of tension to justify the first sex scene. Although after, in which one of the characters has never even kissed someone, they jump right into exploring a sub dynamic and asking about making the other submit. Which, again, can be done, but then you're looking at longer novel with sexual awakening as the dominant theme. Perhaps adding a second POV would have helped flesh out Rosie a bit more as she seems only to exist to tease and eventually love Ria and I'd really like to understand her character arc more and why specifically she likes Ria, aside from having a crush on her since high school.
The line writing was fantastic, better than many trad published novels that I've read. The plot and characters and ideas are all there, it's just that there were too many themes being explored and as a result, they were too superficially handled. I think that with a good copy editor, the author will go far and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.
I'll avoid the plot synopsis as others have already done that, though I'll add that the ending, while I'm not going to say it seemed "tacked on," it didn't have the foreshadowing elements necessary to make it make sense either. There were some interesting plot twists, but some of the setups and executions seemed to be confined to single chapters and I was left wanting a a longer, more developed novel. That's not to say this was bad -- far from it. There was simply so much novel contained in too few pages and because of it, the emotional impact ended up being less than it could have been.
While both Ria and Rosie were believable characters, I personally didn't like them. Which isn't to say that can't be done, there are plenty of novels with unlikable MCs. But as romantic partners, they seemed to have an unhealthily antagonistic relationship, and not in an enemies-to-lovers sort of way. That's personal preference, however, and I didn't rate the book lower because of it. Plenty of readers will like the initial hunter-prey vibe, even if the prey flirts with everyone to make the other jealous, as well as to her own detriment. I also wanted to explore the journey of how Ria got out of her initial situation. We jump from a decision to leave right to working out with her boys and it's just not that simple. That's an entire novel's worth of themes right there.
The spice was well-written and not cringey, with plenty of tension to justify the first sex scene. Although after, in which one of the characters has never even kissed someone, they jump right into exploring a sub dynamic and asking about making the other submit. Which, again, can be done, but then you're looking at longer novel with sexual awakening as the dominant theme. Perhaps adding a second POV would have helped flesh out Rosie a bit more as she seems only to exist to tease and eventually love Ria and I'd really like to understand her character arc more and why specifically she likes Ria, aside from having a crush on her since high school.
The line writing was fantastic, better than many trad published novels that I've read. The plot and characters and ideas are all there, it's just that there were too many themes being explored and as a result, they were too superficially handled. I think that with a good copy editor, the author will go far and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews