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Rink Rash: A Rivals to Lovers Romance
“YOU PUT THIS COLLAR ON AND YOU ARE MINE. MINE TO KEEP, MINE TO PROTECT… EVEN IF THAT MEANS FROM YOURSELF.”
There are three things that get under Madeline Maddox’s
defeat, disorder and disruption…especially when it comes to her carefully curated life and her roller derby team.
No one outskates Mad Maddox—that is, until a cocky little jammer blows back into her hometown wreaking havoc into all her plans.
Vera Havik is mayhem, she’s chaos, she’s everything Madeline despises.
Madeline is set on making their time on the track a rink-rash-filled nightmare, pushing through Vera's defenses like a bad block. That’s when she learns the heavy secret the world-famous jammer is hiding and now, everything’s off-track, including their hearts.
The fine line between love and hatred can be crushed, snorted, or injected…
But it can’t be ignored.
spit in my mouth & brush my hair
stone top X pillow princess
roller derby
found family
only I can hurt her
rivals to lovers
please check content warnings this is a dark romance with heavy topics such as grief, addiction, and mental health.
Rink Rash is a Stand alone sapphic sports romance previously published under the title False A roller derby romance, character names, background and descriptions have since changed for a better reader experience.
defeat, disorder and disruption…especially when it comes to her carefully curated life and her roller derby team.
No one outskates Mad Maddox—that is, until a cocky little jammer blows back into her hometown wreaking havoc into all her plans.
Vera Havik is mayhem, she’s chaos, she’s everything Madeline despises.
Madeline is set on making their time on the track a rink-rash-filled nightmare, pushing through Vera's defenses like a bad block. That’s when she learns the heavy secret the world-famous jammer is hiding and now, everything’s off-track, including their hearts.
The fine line between love and hatred can be crushed, snorted, or injected…
But it can’t be ignored.
spit in my mouth & brush my hair
stone top X pillow princess
roller derby
found family
only I can hurt her
rivals to lovers
please check content warnings this is a dark romance with heavy topics such as grief, addiction, and mental health.
Rink Rash is a Stand alone sapphic sports romance previously published under the title False A roller derby romance, character names, background and descriptions have since changed for a better reader experience.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
129 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
Santana Knox
22 books1,844 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 293 reviews
May 4, 2025
As a sports romance fan and roller derby player myself, I was thrilled to FINALLY have a chance to read a romance centered around derby skaters. The author did an excellent job of portraying the sport and all the unique characters that find a home in roller derby, especially with the inclusion of so many queer and nonbinary skaters.
This is definitely a book you need to read triggers before jumping in because the depiction of Vera’s addiction is at times hard to stomach but ultimately shows the reality of loving someone in active addiction. This topic was handled really well in the writing and really humanized her struggle and experience.
Unfortunately, the romance in this book did not do much for me. I didn’t feel like the rivalry was really explored much before they jumped right into being lovers (and insta-love at that.) The spice was definitely spicing, but Vera and Mads really seemed to lack chemistry until around the last quarter of the book. I would have liked to see more of a build-up to their eventual relationship to really keep me invested.
All in all I think Rink Rash is an exciting and different sapphic romance than most readers have seen before and it’s definitely worth the read! Thank you to Samantha Knox & Smuthood for the e-ARC of this book!
This is definitely a book you need to read triggers before jumping in because the depiction of Vera’s addiction is at times hard to stomach but ultimately shows the reality of loving someone in active addiction. This topic was handled really well in the writing and really humanized her struggle and experience.
Unfortunately, the romance in this book did not do much for me. I didn’t feel like the rivalry was really explored much before they jumped right into being lovers (and insta-love at that.) The spice was definitely spicing, but Vera and Mads really seemed to lack chemistry until around the last quarter of the book. I would have liked to see more of a build-up to their eventual relationship to really keep me invested.
All in all I think Rink Rash is an exciting and different sapphic romance than most readers have seen before and it’s definitely worth the read! Thank you to Samantha Knox & Smuthood for the e-ARC of this book!
July 6, 2025
4⭐️
This book was such a perfect short read. I love a sapphic romance as most people know, but roller derby made this so much fun.
I was so taken by surprise by this book in the best way. This is my first novel I've read from this author and I am in love with her writing style. This story was a sapphic roller derby romance but it was also so much more.
I could relate to Vera and Maddox so deeply. Vera struggles heavily with grief and addiction in this book and it's written so incredibly will. Definitely recommend checking triggers because they are heavy themes within the book. Their relationship felt entirely unique and I was enraptured by the two of them from start to finish. Maddox is the type of girl everyone needs when they feel like crap and we love her for it.
I don't know much about roller derby but Santana does an amazing job at explaining how it works in an engaging way. It kept me wanting to know more and I loved how it was included into the story in a meaningful way.
AND THE SPICE. Holy moly I had so much fun. Shoe straps. That's all I have to say.
This book was such a perfect short read. I love a sapphic romance as most people know, but roller derby made this so much fun.
I was so taken by surprise by this book in the best way. This is my first novel I've read from this author and I am in love with her writing style. This story was a sapphic roller derby romance but it was also so much more.
I could relate to Vera and Maddox so deeply. Vera struggles heavily with grief and addiction in this book and it's written so incredibly will. Definitely recommend checking triggers because they are heavy themes within the book. Their relationship felt entirely unique and I was enraptured by the two of them from start to finish. Maddox is the type of girl everyone needs when they feel like crap and we love her for it.
I don't know much about roller derby but Santana does an amazing job at explaining how it works in an engaging way. It kept me wanting to know more and I loved how it was included into the story in a meaningful way.
AND THE SPICE. Holy moly I had so much fun. Shoe straps. That's all I have to say.
May 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ pain is all i know
May 6, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
╰•★★ “A partner who gives her all to keep me whole when I have nothing of my own to give in return. My love is enough for her.” ★★•╯
I honestly don’t know how Santana Knox does it. Everything they write it’s so incredibly real and soul crushing in all the best ways. This book blew me out of the water. I cried so many times reading this. It’s an INCREDIBLY HEAVY book with REAL topics so please…read the trigger warnings before diving in.
Havoc…oh man…she broke my heart 💔 Havoc is in the midst of dealing with grief and active addiction when she returns to her hometown and her former roller derby team. She is not in a good place mentally, emotionally or physically. But she’s hoping that returning to the place where her friends who are family are will help turn things around. But if you know anything about addiction or grief , you know it’s never that simple.
Maddox is the new girl on the derby team, and the moment Havoc is back she wants nothing to do with her. She’s trying to stay as far away from the drama and chaos that surrounds Havoc. But, as time passes, she finds herself being drawn to her and unable to stop thinking about her. She doesn’t even know when it happened but before she knows it she’s in deep with Havoc and wants nothing else than to protect her from the world…protect her from herself. But she also knows that’s not what Havoc needs.
Santana does not shy away from being very real about grief and addiction, and the darkness it creates not just for the addict but for those who care about them. Grief is a demon in itself , and Havoc struggles with it in a soul crushing way that I can unfortunately relate to. I lost both my parents at a young age and that kind of loss can make you spiral into despair and fill you with guilt…self loathing. Some people, like Havoc, turn to drugs to dull that pain. To cope with the turmoil…to give themselves that moment of “peace” where they can be numb from the pain they are feeling. But it’s a slippery slope and most people can never dig themselves out of that hole once they dive in. And that’s where Havoc finds herself. She’s in so deep that the idea of coming out and having to REALLY deal with her grief…her demons….seems impossible.
Maddox is her person. She isn’t trying to save her. Or fix her. She knows SHE can’t fix her. But she is there for her. She shows up and she keeps showing up no matter what. And that’s sometimes exactly what people need. To know that they aren’t alone and that someone will be there and love them especially in the moments when they can’t love themselves. Maddox does not coddle or enable Havoc. She is tough and brutally honest, but she loves Havoc. And that’s the underlying importance of everything she does and she doesn’t waiver. She never pulls away. Even when Havoc pushes her to see if she really loves her, she stands firm. She listens and understands. And their friendship…their love for each other was everything.
I was so happy that they got a happy ending because it rally could have gone a whole different way, and I wasn’t sure where we were headed but I cried tears of joy to see them BOTH come out on the other end. The pace and progression of their relationship was perfect. The spice was immaculate. I can’t say enough about this book. Read it. Then read it again. I want more of Havoc and Maddox but I’m happy knowing they made it to the other side together 🩷
🛼Sports Romance
💊Mental Health Rep
🛼Sapphic Romance
💊Addiction/Recovery
🛼Roller Derby
💊Found Family
🛼Grief
💊Rivals to Lovers
🛼Stone Top x Pillow Princess
💊Boot Riding
🛼”Only I Can Hurt Her”
💊Dual POV
🛼HEA
╰•★★ “A partner who gives her all to keep me whole when I have nothing of my own to give in return. My love is enough for her.” ★★•╯
I honestly don’t know how Santana Knox does it. Everything they write it’s so incredibly real and soul crushing in all the best ways. This book blew me out of the water. I cried so many times reading this. It’s an INCREDIBLY HEAVY book with REAL topics so please…read the trigger warnings before diving in.
Havoc…oh man…she broke my heart 💔 Havoc is in the midst of dealing with grief and active addiction when she returns to her hometown and her former roller derby team. She is not in a good place mentally, emotionally or physically. But she’s hoping that returning to the place where her friends who are family are will help turn things around. But if you know anything about addiction or grief , you know it’s never that simple.
Maddox is the new girl on the derby team, and the moment Havoc is back she wants nothing to do with her. She’s trying to stay as far away from the drama and chaos that surrounds Havoc. But, as time passes, she finds herself being drawn to her and unable to stop thinking about her. She doesn’t even know when it happened but before she knows it she’s in deep with Havoc and wants nothing else than to protect her from the world…protect her from herself. But she also knows that’s not what Havoc needs.
Santana does not shy away from being very real about grief and addiction, and the darkness it creates not just for the addict but for those who care about them. Grief is a demon in itself , and Havoc struggles with it in a soul crushing way that I can unfortunately relate to. I lost both my parents at a young age and that kind of loss can make you spiral into despair and fill you with guilt…self loathing. Some people, like Havoc, turn to drugs to dull that pain. To cope with the turmoil…to give themselves that moment of “peace” where they can be numb from the pain they are feeling. But it’s a slippery slope and most people can never dig themselves out of that hole once they dive in. And that’s where Havoc finds herself. She’s in so deep that the idea of coming out and having to REALLY deal with her grief…her demons….seems impossible.
Maddox is her person. She isn’t trying to save her. Or fix her. She knows SHE can’t fix her. But she is there for her. She shows up and she keeps showing up no matter what. And that’s sometimes exactly what people need. To know that they aren’t alone and that someone will be there and love them especially in the moments when they can’t love themselves. Maddox does not coddle or enable Havoc. She is tough and brutally honest, but she loves Havoc. And that’s the underlying importance of everything she does and she doesn’t waiver. She never pulls away. Even when Havoc pushes her to see if she really loves her, she stands firm. She listens and understands. And their friendship…their love for each other was everything.
I was so happy that they got a happy ending because it rally could have gone a whole different way, and I wasn’t sure where we were headed but I cried tears of joy to see them BOTH come out on the other end. The pace and progression of their relationship was perfect. The spice was immaculate. I can’t say enough about this book. Read it. Then read it again. I want more of Havoc and Maddox but I’m happy knowing they made it to the other side together 🩷
🛼Sports Romance
💊Mental Health Rep
🛼Sapphic Romance
💊Addiction/Recovery
🛼Roller Derby
💊Found Family
🛼Grief
💊Rivals to Lovers
🛼Stone Top x Pillow Princess
💊Boot Riding
🛼”Only I Can Hurt Her”
💊Dual POV
🛼HEA
May 2, 2025
Vera Havik (aka Havoc) lives life hard and fast—on and off the roller derby track. She’s tough, unapologetic, and carrying more weight than most people realize. Then comes Madeline Maddox, a bright spot in the chaos, determined to love Vera through her darkest days. Set in the heart of Kentucky, Rink Rash is an unfiltered, emotional ride through addiction, grief, and the kind of love that doesn’t come with easy answers. It’s messy. It’s painful. And it’s real.
Whew, this one hit deep.
I went into Rink Rash expecting grit, but what I got was so much more, it’s raw, vulnerable, and emotionally intense. Santana Knox doesn’t shy away from the realities of addiction, and I appreciated that honesty. This isn’t a glossy romance. It’s a look at what it really means to love someone who is struggling, whether they're using or in recovery. It hurt in all the right ways.
The connection between Havoc and Maddox? It’s magnetic. Their love isn’t clean or easy, but it’s powerful. It felt real. Their bond is built through pain, humor, and that stubborn kind of loyalty that refuses to give up. I loved watching them try to hold each other up while healing their own wounds.
Also, I was instantly obsessed with the roller derby world. The derby names alone made me grin, and the action on the track added such a fun, chaotic layer to everything else happening. As someone from Kentucky, it was extra special to read a story that takes place in my home state. It gave it that added layer of authenticity for me.
There’s no sugarcoating in this book. Some of it is hard to read, and rightfully so. But it’s also written with so much heart and truth. Knox mentions that certain parts were intentionally formatted differently, and that choice made the emotional moments hit even harder. It’s a book about scars, visible and invisible, and how we live with them.
Huge thanks to Santana Knox and The Smuthood PR for sending me a copy of Rink Rash. This story will stick with me for a long time.
The Vibes It Brings:
🛼 Roller derby intensity
🖤 Raw and unfiltered emotion
🧨 Messy but magnetic love
🥃 Addiction and recovery themes
💔 Found family feels
🎭 Mental health representation
🌪️ Chaotic but meaningful moments
📍Kentucky pride
If you're looking for a book that doesn’t pretend love can fix everything but still shows up for the fight, Rink Rash is it. It’s tough, it’s emotional, and it’s beautiful in its own brutal way. Definitely check those content warnings before diving in, but if you’re in the headspace for something honest and heartfelt, this one will stay with you.
Whew, this one hit deep.
I went into Rink Rash expecting grit, but what I got was so much more, it’s raw, vulnerable, and emotionally intense. Santana Knox doesn’t shy away from the realities of addiction, and I appreciated that honesty. This isn’t a glossy romance. It’s a look at what it really means to love someone who is struggling, whether they're using or in recovery. It hurt in all the right ways.
The connection between Havoc and Maddox? It’s magnetic. Their love isn’t clean or easy, but it’s powerful. It felt real. Their bond is built through pain, humor, and that stubborn kind of loyalty that refuses to give up. I loved watching them try to hold each other up while healing their own wounds.
Also, I was instantly obsessed with the roller derby world. The derby names alone made me grin, and the action on the track added such a fun, chaotic layer to everything else happening. As someone from Kentucky, it was extra special to read a story that takes place in my home state. It gave it that added layer of authenticity for me.
There’s no sugarcoating in this book. Some of it is hard to read, and rightfully so. But it’s also written with so much heart and truth. Knox mentions that certain parts were intentionally formatted differently, and that choice made the emotional moments hit even harder. It’s a book about scars, visible and invisible, and how we live with them.
Huge thanks to Santana Knox and The Smuthood PR for sending me a copy of Rink Rash. This story will stick with me for a long time.
The Vibes It Brings:
🛼 Roller derby intensity
🖤 Raw and unfiltered emotion
🧨 Messy but magnetic love
🥃 Addiction and recovery themes
💔 Found family feels
🎭 Mental health representation
🌪️ Chaotic but meaningful moments
📍Kentucky pride
If you're looking for a book that doesn’t pretend love can fix everything but still shows up for the fight, Rink Rash is it. It’s tough, it’s emotional, and it’s beautiful in its own brutal way. Definitely check those content warnings before diving in, but if you’re in the headspace for something honest and heartfelt, this one will stay with you.
October 18, 2025
Well, this one was hard hitting! But I really enjoyed it. Definitely worth a read. Covers some difficult subjects of addition (on page) and grieving from loss. This is also a sports romance, following a struggling roller derby team! Not a sport I know much of but it was a lot of fun and definitely want to read more in that genre. This was also my first book by this author! So definitely want to read more by them.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Tempest Mensah & Olivia Wright. Sports Romance, Addiction, Grieving from Loss, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Return to Hometown, Collard. 6x Spicy Scenes.
Written in first person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Tempest Mensah & Olivia Wright. Sports Romance, Addiction, Grieving from Loss, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Return to Hometown, Collard. 6x Spicy Scenes.
May 4, 2025
This was heartbreaking and beautiful all at once for Vera and Maddox’s story. While Maddox was so set on hating Vera when she returned to their roller derby team, I also loved seeing her thoughts shift as she got to know more about Vera. This is full of so many ups and downs, but that tracks with how being exactly how addiction is and how it affects that person and others in their lives too.
Definitely check the TW if you need to before reading this.
What to expect:
🛼Sapphic/FF
🛼Roller Derby
🛼Found Family
🛼Rivals to lovers
🛼Addiction/Mental health rep
Thank you so much to Santana Knox and The Smuthood for letting me read and review an ARC. All opinions are my own!
Definitely check the TW if you need to before reading this.
What to expect:
🛼Sapphic/FF
🛼Roller Derby
🛼Found Family
🛼Rivals to lovers
🛼Addiction/Mental health rep
Thank you so much to Santana Knox and The Smuthood for letting me read and review an ARC. All opinions are my own!
April 27, 2025
Thank you to Santana Knox and Smuthood for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Rink Rash is a sapphic roller derby romance dealing with complex issues such as mental health, grief, and addiction. It is highly emotional so please take the trigger warnings and author notes seriously.
From what I deduced, this is a rewrite of False Start which was originally published last year. I did not read False Start so I can’t compare what changed but I did really enjoy this book.
We meet Havoc, Vera Havik, who has moved back to her hometown after receiving a voicemail from an old derby friend. Havoc’s mom passed from cancer a bit ago and she is not coping well, struggling with addiction and her grief. She hopes coming back to the Murder Dolls, her old roller derby team, that she can find herself again or at least be around people that once cared for her.
Of course, it’s been five years since she’s talked to any of them and things have changed a lot. Including a new member Maddox, who seems to have it out for Havoc from the start. As tensions rise on the rink and off, Havoc will have to decide whether she’s going to let her addiction ruin her life, or if she’s finally going to rise above it, and accept the help that those closest to her are willing to give.
I knew from the start that this book was most likely going to destroy me. I’ve seen addiction first hand through family members and friends and it can be so hard to want to help those who don’t want it. I think overall the addiction and grief journey was done well. There were times where I got my hopes up, foolishly knowing that healing isn’t linear, and I definitely got emotional when things fell apart again.
But just like Asha knew that Maddox and Havoc would get along, I knew that Maddox was exactly what Havoc needed. That solid person who knows that she can’t outright change you, but can help you find the way. Her dedication and love for Havoc in the end was truly a testament to how far we will go for those we care about.
I was definitely worried there wouldn’t be happy ending, as often there isn’t when dealing with these topics, but thank goodness there was because I would’ve been an absolute wreck. I selfishly want more of Maddox and Havoc just because I want to see more about how their dynamic changed with Havoc sober but I am still happy with the sneak peek we got.
Overall, definitely an emotional read. If topics of addiction including overdoses are difficult for you than I highly recommend not reading this book, but Santana Knox has a way of writing that just makes you want to know every little bit that’s happening and this book was no different.
Rink Rash is a sapphic roller derby romance dealing with complex issues such as mental health, grief, and addiction. It is highly emotional so please take the trigger warnings and author notes seriously.
From what I deduced, this is a rewrite of False Start which was originally published last year. I did not read False Start so I can’t compare what changed but I did really enjoy this book.
We meet Havoc, Vera Havik, who has moved back to her hometown after receiving a voicemail from an old derby friend. Havoc’s mom passed from cancer a bit ago and she is not coping well, struggling with addiction and her grief. She hopes coming back to the Murder Dolls, her old roller derby team, that she can find herself again or at least be around people that once cared for her.
Of course, it’s been five years since she’s talked to any of them and things have changed a lot. Including a new member Maddox, who seems to have it out for Havoc from the start. As tensions rise on the rink and off, Havoc will have to decide whether she’s going to let her addiction ruin her life, or if she’s finally going to rise above it, and accept the help that those closest to her are willing to give.
I knew from the start that this book was most likely going to destroy me. I’ve seen addiction first hand through family members and friends and it can be so hard to want to help those who don’t want it. I think overall the addiction and grief journey was done well. There were times where I got my hopes up, foolishly knowing that healing isn’t linear, and I definitely got emotional when things fell apart again.
But just like Asha knew that Maddox and Havoc would get along, I knew that Maddox was exactly what Havoc needed. That solid person who knows that she can’t outright change you, but can help you find the way. Her dedication and love for Havoc in the end was truly a testament to how far we will go for those we care about.
I was definitely worried there wouldn’t be happy ending, as often there isn’t when dealing with these topics, but thank goodness there was because I would’ve been an absolute wreck. I selfishly want more of Maddox and Havoc just because I want to see more about how their dynamic changed with Havoc sober but I am still happy with the sneak peek we got.
Overall, definitely an emotional read. If topics of addiction including overdoses are difficult for you than I highly recommend not reading this book, but Santana Knox has a way of writing that just makes you want to know every little bit that’s happening and this book was no different.
May 3, 2025
Rink Rash is A Standalone Sapphic Sports Romance Which was Once known as *False Start: A Roller Derby Romance*, This rolls forward with fresh character names, backgrounds, and a splash of new details to make your reading journey even more thrilling!
Meet Havoc*, aka Vera Havik, making her comeback to her hometown after an unexpected voicemail from a derby pal. With the shadow of her mother's passing from cancer, Havoc wrestles with grief and a pesky addiction. She’s banking on rejoining the Murder Dolls, her roller derby squad, to help her piece back her life and rekindle old bonds.
Enter Maddox*, who seems to be carrying a grudge against Havoc right from the get-go. With sparks flying both on the rink and beyond, Havoc faces a game-changing choice: Will she let her addiction call the shots, or will she skate past it and embrace the love and support offered by those who truly care?
The ending? It's a gem, wrapping up Havoc and Maddox's journey with just the right sprinkle of goodness!
Things to know
Active addiction, consumption of prescribed narcotics, on page consumption of illegal substances (Snorting) (heroin/RX narcotics), suicidal ideation, intentional OD, accidental OD, driving under the influence, mention of parental suicide, death of a loved one, mentions of cancer, misgendering(not done to or by any main characters), history of nonconsensual touch, boot stuff, relapse, withdrawal, physical assault, sapphic romance, roller derby, found family
Meet Havoc*, aka Vera Havik, making her comeback to her hometown after an unexpected voicemail from a derby pal. With the shadow of her mother's passing from cancer, Havoc wrestles with grief and a pesky addiction. She’s banking on rejoining the Murder Dolls, her roller derby squad, to help her piece back her life and rekindle old bonds.
Enter Maddox*, who seems to be carrying a grudge against Havoc right from the get-go. With sparks flying both on the rink and beyond, Havoc faces a game-changing choice: Will she let her addiction call the shots, or will she skate past it and embrace the love and support offered by those who truly care?
The ending? It's a gem, wrapping up Havoc and Maddox's journey with just the right sprinkle of goodness!
Things to know
Active addiction, consumption of prescribed narcotics, on page consumption of illegal substances (Snorting) (heroin/RX narcotics), suicidal ideation, intentional OD, accidental OD, driving under the influence, mention of parental suicide, death of a loved one, mentions of cancer, misgendering(not done to or by any main characters), history of nonconsensual touch, boot stuff, relapse, withdrawal, physical assault, sapphic romance, roller derby, found family
May 5, 2025
I’m having the worst reading slump and it feels like such a disservice to Santana, and more specifically to Madeline and Vera. This book is heavy and deals with so many uncomfortable issues like loss, trauma, addiction - but it’s brought so well. Vera and Mads are both so frustrating in their own way, but I love how they meet each other in the middle. It’s unconventional but it makes them feel so raw, so real, and I loved that. The whole skating aspect makes it seem so cool and I wish there was a Murder Dolls rink somewhere around here so I could join.
Also: I will never feel the same cleaning my boots.
Also: I will never feel the same cleaning my boots.
May 6, 2025
Maddox & Havoc. I enjoyed this story, it was heartbreaking at times. This book deals with heavy topics, but Santana knows how to write them well. Which is also why this book hits so hard. Please read the TWs for this book, especially if you're triggered by addiction. The characters in this book are layered, there's trauma, it feels real, raw, the story has the emotions blasting out of the pages and the grief..of the grief.. I may have spilled a tear again.
What you'll find in this book:
🛼Rivals to lovers
🛼Sapphic sports romance
🛼 Roller Derby
🛼 Found family
🛼 Stone top / Pillow princess
🛼 "Only I can hurt her"
🛼 Boot riding
What you'll find in this book:
🛼Rivals to lovers
🛼Sapphic sports romance
🛼 Roller Derby
🛼 Found family
🛼 Stone top / Pillow princess
🛼 "Only I can hurt her"
🛼 Boot riding
May 2, 2025
This book is beyond amazing
May 13, 2025
Rink Rash by Santana Knox is a sapphic roller derby story that dives into emotionally charged topics such as grief, mental health, and addiction. Be sure to check the author warnings before diving in. This story contains content that is potentially triggering.
This story is such a heart-wrenching, emotional roller-coaster that was impossible to put down. So many tough themes were touched on and written with such grace. Santana Knox is an expert at what she does.
Thank you, Santana, for the opportunity to read this book. I am truly honored.
This story is such a heart-wrenching, emotional roller-coaster that was impossible to put down. So many tough themes were touched on and written with such grace. Santana Knox is an expert at what she does.
Thank you, Santana, for the opportunity to read this book. I am truly honored.
May 3, 2025
Havoc + Maddox
-sapphic romance
-roller derby
-one sided rivalry
-addiction
these two are so special! & i want to vomit because i love them so much but also this HURRTTT MEEEE & i am REKT thinking about these two!! i am much much much happier with this updated story!!
-sapphic romance
-roller derby
-one sided rivalry
-addiction
these two are so special! & i want to vomit because i love them so much but also this HURRTTT MEEEE & i am REKT thinking about these two!! i am much much much happier with this updated story!!
October 22, 2025
"Maddox has already shown me all the ways she can love; it's not up to me to love her back in the same fashion. It's up to me to learn how she wants that love returned."
This story was incredibly emotional and heavy for me to read, as the themes of addiction and doing you best to support people going through it are very relevant to my life. It was difficult for me to not project my own experiences into the story when Mads reminded me of myself. But it was made easier as I focused on the differences - my life had an aspect of abuse where me taking care of my now-ex was used as a weapon to control me and that is not the case between her and Vera.
They're messy and they both need to be in a healthy place for their dynamic to e healthy but they work towards it in earnest, even when they regress. The story doesn't pull punches on realism - relapses happen and the kind of self. loathing and self-esteem issues that lead to a destructive mindset cannot be fixed overnight or with a single chance. The story explores the reality of hope too - how having someone consistently love and affirm you can help interrupt toxic thought patterns about yourself and that not giving up on someone when they stumble if they're really trying can make all the difference in not giving up.
Vera needs someone to help and truly has no support or resources - it's not weaponized incompetence. Madeline is genuine in her efforts despite Vera being quick to try to push her away. Mads sees the behavior for what it is and doesn't allow it to deter her from helping - she knows that Vera needs time and consistency to feel safe enough to trust. For her part, Vera struggles to accept the help offered to her, which is as understandable as it is heartbreaking. Seeing her finally accept help - and that she is worthy of help, love, and a better life is amazing. I love how these two love each other and how they fight for each other, no matter how many setbacks they have.
While this story shows how imperative it can be to not give up on people who regress, it doesn't glamorize being a "ride or die" or demonize leaving. While it explores how having others love you (and loving them even if you don't love yourself the way you should) can give you the motivation and support you need to make strides, it also doesn't treat love as a cure or magic.
The story is honest in acknowledging that sometimes if you don't value yourself enough to get sober for you, doing it for people you love might be the best option you have. It's not the idealized way or the healthiest, but sober and alive for other people is still sober and alive. Often what happens is with time and sobriety, you gain perspective and are in a place to deal with your underlying issues directly and as you heal you can come to see your own value and keep making progress in your sobriety for yourself.
Their story is not a picture-perfect depiction of the idealized textbook pathway, but it's and honest and realistic one. There are far more people who are only able to start the process and make strides when they're doing it for the "wrong" reason (ie not for themselves) than people realize. And that narrative Is important because thinking you can't start to get better unless you do it solely for yourself can make people who aren't in a place to do that feel isolated and helpless.
This story was incredibly emotional and heavy for me to read, as the themes of addiction and doing you best to support people going through it are very relevant to my life. It was difficult for me to not project my own experiences into the story when Mads reminded me of myself. But it was made easier as I focused on the differences - my life had an aspect of abuse where me taking care of my now-ex was used as a weapon to control me and that is not the case between her and Vera.
They're messy and they both need to be in a healthy place for their dynamic to e healthy but they work towards it in earnest, even when they regress. The story doesn't pull punches on realism - relapses happen and the kind of self. loathing and self-esteem issues that lead to a destructive mindset cannot be fixed overnight or with a single chance. The story explores the reality of hope too - how having someone consistently love and affirm you can help interrupt toxic thought patterns about yourself and that not giving up on someone when they stumble if they're really trying can make all the difference in not giving up.
Vera needs someone to help and truly has no support or resources - it's not weaponized incompetence. Madeline is genuine in her efforts despite Vera being quick to try to push her away. Mads sees the behavior for what it is and doesn't allow it to deter her from helping - she knows that Vera needs time and consistency to feel safe enough to trust. For her part, Vera struggles to accept the help offered to her, which is as understandable as it is heartbreaking. Seeing her finally accept help - and that she is worthy of help, love, and a better life is amazing. I love how these two love each other and how they fight for each other, no matter how many setbacks they have.
While this story shows how imperative it can be to not give up on people who regress, it doesn't glamorize being a "ride or die" or demonize leaving. While it explores how having others love you (and loving them even if you don't love yourself the way you should) can give you the motivation and support you need to make strides, it also doesn't treat love as a cure or magic.
The story is honest in acknowledging that sometimes if you don't value yourself enough to get sober for you, doing it for people you love might be the best option you have. It's not the idealized way or the healthiest, but sober and alive for other people is still sober and alive. Often what happens is with time and sobriety, you gain perspective and are in a place to deal with your underlying issues directly and as you heal you can come to see your own value and keep making progress in your sobriety for yourself.
Their story is not a picture-perfect depiction of the idealized textbook pathway, but it's and honest and realistic one. There are far more people who are only able to start the process and make strides when they're doing it for the "wrong" reason (ie not for themselves) than people realize. And that narrative Is important because thinking you can't start to get better unless you do it solely for yourself can make people who aren't in a place to do that feel isolated and helpless.
May 13, 2025
Is this a smutty sapphic roller derby inspired romance? Yes! Is it one of the most emotionally profound and impactful stories I’ve read? Also yes!
I’ve never been let down by Santana Knox’s writing and don’t think I ever will be! You can always count on them for a book that while hot, steamy, and smutty, is also delivering a powerful message. This work is no different. This story depicts addiction in one of the rawest forms I’ve seen so far in literature. It’s dark because addiction is dark. It’s messy and hard to understand because addiction is messy and hard to understand. There is no sugarcoating this type of message because to do so would take away from the importance behind the story. Everyone has or will be affected by addiction in some way shape or form in our lives, whether we realize it or not. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t choose its victims based on income, fame, status, etc. this is something that at any moment can affect a friend, family member, partner, or yourself.
There is so much to take away from this story. There is such a beauty in the way Santana writes their characters. They are deeply flawed individuals but they are still so capable of such much love. They deserve to find their peace and through the entire book thats all you truly want for them. These characters are human in a way that makes this book so raw and powerful, reminding the reader that while this is fiction, it’s reflective of real experience.
There is grief so strong within this writing it’s threatening to pull everyone under, which in itself is such a powerful message. Santana’s depiction of pain and loss portrays that grief is a universal experience, but is never felt the same way twice. It’s a living thing that grows with us for the rest of our lives but it’s up to us as individuals to either make ourselves stronger, or to let ourselves fall apart. Both are paths that can be taken but we cannot lose ourselves to this pain and become unrecognizable.
Yes the spice is there, yes it’s hot and steamy, but behind that is a deep longing for human connection and stability. This story was so incredibly meaningful in so many ways, I could talk about it for centuries and never get bored. I 10000% recommend this book but as always check the TWs because this book does deal with those darker and tougher to stomach topics. Take care of yourself and your mental health always.
I’ve never been let down by Santana Knox’s writing and don’t think I ever will be! You can always count on them for a book that while hot, steamy, and smutty, is also delivering a powerful message. This work is no different. This story depicts addiction in one of the rawest forms I’ve seen so far in literature. It’s dark because addiction is dark. It’s messy and hard to understand because addiction is messy and hard to understand. There is no sugarcoating this type of message because to do so would take away from the importance behind the story. Everyone has or will be affected by addiction in some way shape or form in our lives, whether we realize it or not. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t choose its victims based on income, fame, status, etc. this is something that at any moment can affect a friend, family member, partner, or yourself.
There is so much to take away from this story. There is such a beauty in the way Santana writes their characters. They are deeply flawed individuals but they are still so capable of such much love. They deserve to find their peace and through the entire book thats all you truly want for them. These characters are human in a way that makes this book so raw and powerful, reminding the reader that while this is fiction, it’s reflective of real experience.
There is grief so strong within this writing it’s threatening to pull everyone under, which in itself is such a powerful message. Santana’s depiction of pain and loss portrays that grief is a universal experience, but is never felt the same way twice. It’s a living thing that grows with us for the rest of our lives but it’s up to us as individuals to either make ourselves stronger, or to let ourselves fall apart. Both are paths that can be taken but we cannot lose ourselves to this pain and become unrecognizable.
Yes the spice is there, yes it’s hot and steamy, but behind that is a deep longing for human connection and stability. This story was so incredibly meaningful in so many ways, I could talk about it for centuries and never get bored. I 10000% recommend this book but as always check the TWs because this book does deal with those darker and tougher to stomach topics. Take care of yourself and your mental health always.
May 2, 2025
I was graced with a copy to ARC read curtesy of The Smuthood.
With that being said, this review is my own honest opinion about Rink Rash by Santana Knox.
Fuuck.
Talk about themes that hit close to home.
I definitely feel like I need to start off with a warning: check your triggers. With the theme being addiction, I feel extremely inclined to warn that this could be intense for those who struggle, or with loved ones who struggle.
WITH THAT BEING SAID: Let's get into it.
(The vague version ♡)
Santana wrote these emotions so well, my heart broke and healed and broke and healed throughout the whole gd story.
There was scenes that I couldn't help but have a good cry. I knew this was going to be gritty, but this pulled my heart out hip-checked it into oblivion.
I enjoyed every single character, and have a huge appreciation for how wonderfully the dynamics are written (especially with the amount of personalities involved).
The angsty (and very well fought) romance between Havoc and Maddox gave me everything. The SCENES. HELLO? A chefs kiss (honestly, maybe even more?? Because ommphh)
I LOVE. LIVE FOR: The fact that there were some physical aversions that were RESPECTED and didn't really CHANGE for the benefit if furthering the romance throughout the story. My respect for this being represented in a story.
This was a pretty quick, but deeply emotional read. It was vulnerable, raw, and I hated to have to put down. This story consumed my mind from beginning to end- and I just needed to know what happened. There was some plot points that had my jaw on the floor- but this HEA really warmed my heart ♡
This is an open-door sapphic sport (roller derby) romance, with explicit scenes intended for an older audience.
Other tropes include:
♡ Found Family
♡ Rivals to Lovers
♡ Only I can hurt her
♡ Stone Top
♡ SIMMABMH (iykyk)
Please take the trigger warnings and authors notes seriously.
With that being said, this review is my own honest opinion about Rink Rash by Santana Knox.
Fuuck.
Talk about themes that hit close to home.
I definitely feel like I need to start off with a warning: check your triggers. With the theme being addiction, I feel extremely inclined to warn that this could be intense for those who struggle, or with loved ones who struggle.
WITH THAT BEING SAID: Let's get into it.
(The vague version ♡)
Santana wrote these emotions so well, my heart broke and healed and broke and healed throughout the whole gd story.
There was scenes that I couldn't help but have a good cry. I knew this was going to be gritty, but this pulled my heart out hip-checked it into oblivion.
I enjoyed every single character, and have a huge appreciation for how wonderfully the dynamics are written (especially with the amount of personalities involved).
The angsty (and very well fought) romance between Havoc and Maddox gave me everything. The SCENES. HELLO? A chefs kiss (honestly, maybe even more?? Because ommphh)
I LOVE. LIVE FOR: The fact that there were some physical aversions that were RESPECTED and didn't really CHANGE for the benefit if furthering the romance throughout the story. My respect for this being represented in a story.
This was a pretty quick, but deeply emotional read. It was vulnerable, raw, and I hated to have to put down. This story consumed my mind from beginning to end- and I just needed to know what happened. There was some plot points that had my jaw on the floor- but this HEA really warmed my heart ♡
This is an open-door sapphic sport (roller derby) romance, with explicit scenes intended for an older audience.
Other tropes include:
♡ Found Family
♡ Rivals to Lovers
♡ Only I can hurt her
♡ Stone Top
♡ SIMMABMH (iykyk)
Please take the trigger warnings and authors notes seriously.
April 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Firstly thank you to @thesmuthood for this ARC! As soon as I saw it was a Sapphic Sports Romance I just knew I needed to read it and I’m honoured to have be selected.
This was such a beautifully written story!
The journey of Addiction throughout this book was so real and touching. This book did an amazing job at making me feel the things that Vera was going through. I felt so sad for her in the way that I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything will get better.
I loved how, even though Maddox hated Vera and didn’t want her anywhere near her, she also wasn’t able to keep her out of her thoughts at the same time. How she became so protective and wanted to take care of her was perfect. The way Maddox is when she decides she is going to take care of Vera and help her through everything made my love her even more. You could see and feel the love she had and how much Maddox also NEEDED Vera just as much.
Vera was such an interesting and complex character. Her struggles with her grief and drug addiction was very moving and heartbreaking. The way she just wanted to escape and numb herself from everything while simultaneously hating that she feels the need for it was both hard and necessary to read to fully grasp how Vera was feeling.
The ending was just right. It gave the right amount of closure and peace for these 2 characters and just made my heart happy. I could have easily read 100 more pages of these two and their journey in life together though cuz I didn’t want it to end.
Firstly thank you to @thesmuthood for this ARC! As soon as I saw it was a Sapphic Sports Romance I just knew I needed to read it and I’m honoured to have be selected.
This was such a beautifully written story!
The journey of Addiction throughout this book was so real and touching. This book did an amazing job at making me feel the things that Vera was going through. I felt so sad for her in the way that I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything will get better.
I loved how, even though Maddox hated Vera and didn’t want her anywhere near her, she also wasn’t able to keep her out of her thoughts at the same time. How she became so protective and wanted to take care of her was perfect. The way Maddox is when she decides she is going to take care of Vera and help her through everything made my love her even more. You could see and feel the love she had and how much Maddox also NEEDED Vera just as much.
Vera was such an interesting and complex character. Her struggles with her grief and drug addiction was very moving and heartbreaking. The way she just wanted to escape and numb herself from everything while simultaneously hating that she feels the need for it was both hard and necessary to read to fully grasp how Vera was feeling.
The ending was just right. It gave the right amount of closure and peace for these 2 characters and just made my heart happy. I could have easily read 100 more pages of these two and their journey in life together though cuz I didn’t want it to end.
May 6, 2025
Rink Rash
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
We are starting off May with a bang, Rink Rash truly blew me away. Sports romance, or anything like that isn’t normally my thing. I’m normally the first to admit that, BUT Rink Rash is a Roller Derby romance, one of the very few sports I genuinely enjoy... I was down. As an ex-derby player myself. it really made me miss the Rink, the family, the community. These things are the glue that'll hold together any derby team. Santana captures this perfectly in Rink Rash.
Santana should be incredibly proud of this book. It deals with some really complex issues like addiction, grief, and other things, but it does so with such grace, no sugar-coating. Just real-world situations. I find it incredibly admirable and had to stop reading a few times just to take a moment to reflect. The healing moments in this book are absolutely everything. 💕
Our two main characters, Vera and Maddox, have such chemistry almost instantly. It’s often intense in many ways. I love them both equally as characters, and I have to say that I find them both extremely admirable. Maddox is the one who turns from anger to passion to help without expectations. Vera is the one who struggles through so much hell and finds her way out... not only for Maddox but for themselves.
I’m sad that I will never get to read this for the first time again, Have you ever read a book and felt at the end that it had changed you slightly? Put a piece back together you didn’t know was missing? That’s this book.
Thank you so much to Santana Knox and Smuthood for the ARC. I absolutely fell head over heels.
Rink Rash comes out May 6th and is available at all your regular book retailers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
We are starting off May with a bang, Rink Rash truly blew me away. Sports romance, or anything like that isn’t normally my thing. I’m normally the first to admit that, BUT Rink Rash is a Roller Derby romance, one of the very few sports I genuinely enjoy... I was down. As an ex-derby player myself. it really made me miss the Rink, the family, the community. These things are the glue that'll hold together any derby team. Santana captures this perfectly in Rink Rash.
Santana should be incredibly proud of this book. It deals with some really complex issues like addiction, grief, and other things, but it does so with such grace, no sugar-coating. Just real-world situations. I find it incredibly admirable and had to stop reading a few times just to take a moment to reflect. The healing moments in this book are absolutely everything. 💕
Our two main characters, Vera and Maddox, have such chemistry almost instantly. It’s often intense in many ways. I love them both equally as characters, and I have to say that I find them both extremely admirable. Maddox is the one who turns from anger to passion to help without expectations. Vera is the one who struggles through so much hell and finds her way out... not only for Maddox but for themselves.
I’m sad that I will never get to read this for the first time again, Have you ever read a book and felt at the end that it had changed you slightly? Put a piece back together you didn’t know was missing? That’s this book.
Thank you so much to Santana Knox and Smuthood for the ARC. I absolutely fell head over heels.
Rink Rash comes out May 6th and is available at all your regular book retailers.
May 6, 2025
part of me doesn’t even want to write anything other than “read this” bc that is all you should need to read a Santana Knox book.
this book will make you feel the grief, the hurt, the love that Havoc (Vera) and Maddox (Madeline) are dealing with. or not dealing with in Havoc’s case. it’s raw but it’s real.
i don’t really know anything about derby and Santana does a great job of explaining the sport and how it works without feeling like an info dump. they also do a great job of explaining the found family aspect of the sport/world of derby.
Asha and the Murder Dolls were accurate when they said Havoc and Maddox would be perfect for each other bc they need each other. an incredible sapphic romance 💗
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳.”
thank you Santana Knox and Smuthood PR for an e-ARC of 𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑹𝒂𝒔𝒉 💗🛼
plz make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. as someone whose ex partner is an addict, these helped me prepare for what i would be reading. your mental health is important to take care of.
dual 1sf person POV, sapphic, 26 fmc / 30 fmc
this book will make you feel the grief, the hurt, the love that Havoc (Vera) and Maddox (Madeline) are dealing with. or not dealing with in Havoc’s case. it’s raw but it’s real.
i don’t really know anything about derby and Santana does a great job of explaining the sport and how it works without feeling like an info dump. they also do a great job of explaining the found family aspect of the sport/world of derby.
Asha and the Murder Dolls were accurate when they said Havoc and Maddox would be perfect for each other bc they need each other. an incredible sapphic romance 💗
“𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳.”
thank you Santana Knox and Smuthood PR for an e-ARC of 𝑹𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑹𝒂𝒔𝒉 💗🛼
plz make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving into this book. as someone whose ex partner is an addict, these helped me prepare for what i would be reading. your mental health is important to take care of.
dual 1sf person POV, sapphic, 26 fmc / 30 fmc
May 6, 2025
maddox and mayhem !!
oh the way these two overtook my brain. she cooks for her, brushes her hair, knows her every need, and makes her ride her boot 👀
the way i kept highlighting and noting “SAME” when discussing inner feelings over being too much, not wanting to ask for help, and not feeling enough. the book made me feel so seen in so many ways.
as we go through Vera’s addiction with her, the emotions that it brought out of me were healing. loving an addict is hard and has impacted my life severally, so going through that with her was emotional. but the found family aspect is SO important and brought out the tears.
I don’t usually read sports romance but the TENSION between these two was unmatched and they were skating circles around my head all week
as always Santana never fails with a LOTR reference, and I should have known they’d throw AOT in the mix as well!!
the layout of some dialogue was done so uniquely, the twists at the end actually took me by surprise and I absolutely LOVED the way the epilogue was wrapped. literally two sentences in and they had me crying again.
the spice, the tension, emotions, and rawness that was this book was everything I love about santana. <3 forever grateful to ARC read for you!!
oh the way these two overtook my brain. she cooks for her, brushes her hair, knows her every need, and makes her ride her boot 👀
the way i kept highlighting and noting “SAME” when discussing inner feelings over being too much, not wanting to ask for help, and not feeling enough. the book made me feel so seen in so many ways.
as we go through Vera’s addiction with her, the emotions that it brought out of me were healing. loving an addict is hard and has impacted my life severally, so going through that with her was emotional. but the found family aspect is SO important and brought out the tears.
I don’t usually read sports romance but the TENSION between these two was unmatched and they were skating circles around my head all week
as always Santana never fails with a LOTR reference, and I should have known they’d throw AOT in the mix as well!!
the layout of some dialogue was done so uniquely, the twists at the end actually took me by surprise and I absolutely LOVED the way the epilogue was wrapped. literally two sentences in and they had me crying again.
the spice, the tension, emotions, and rawness that was this book was everything I love about santana. <3 forever grateful to ARC read for you!!
April 28, 2025
Rink Rash really surprised me in the best way! It follows Vera, a roller derby player trying to rebuild her life after struggling with addiction, and Madeline, the new recruit who throws her completely off balance. Their chemistry is immediate, but what really pulled me in was how much heart there was beneath all the tension and heat.
I really appreciated how the book handled tough topics like addiction and grief. Vera’s journey through recovery felt raw and honest — it wasn’t sugar-coated, and it showed just how messy healing can be. On top of that, the way grief was explored (especially how it impacts Vera’s sense of self and relationships) added even more emotional weight to the story without making it feel heavy or overwhelming.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that I wished we got a little more backstory for both characters to fully understand what shaped them. But overall, this was such a refreshing, steamy, and emotional sports romance. If you’re looking for something that feels real and a little gritty — with an amazing roller derby backdrop — definitely check Rink Rash out! Thank you Santana Knox and Smuthood for the e=ARC!
I really appreciated how the book handled tough topics like addiction and grief. Vera’s journey through recovery felt raw and honest — it wasn’t sugar-coated, and it showed just how messy healing can be. On top of that, the way grief was explored (especially how it impacts Vera’s sense of self and relationships) added even more emotional weight to the story without making it feel heavy or overwhelming.
If I had one small complaint, it’s that I wished we got a little more backstory for both characters to fully understand what shaped them. But overall, this was such a refreshing, steamy, and emotional sports romance. If you’re looking for something that feels real and a little gritty — with an amazing roller derby backdrop — definitely check Rink Rash out! Thank you Santana Knox and Smuthood for the e=ARC!
April 29, 2025
There are very few books that can make your heart feel broken in pieces and hole at the same time. Santana manages to do that here.
Rink Rash is a book with heavy subject matter and approaches it from both the inside and outside perspectives. We get to see what Vera is going through and how Maddie is dealing with it at the same time. There were so many times I found myself tearing up because the internal dialogue was much like my own, the feelings of hopelessness and despair, even in the face of potential happiness. That habit of pushing everything away to see if it comes back to you; to see if you’re really worth it. It shows that even in the darkest tunnels there’s still some sort of light.
I loved the story before, but I love it even more since Santana rewrote it. There are always people there to fight at your side if you just give them a chance. The family they have created in the team is so beautiful and chaotic. I loved the dynamic.
All in all this story is about strength and courage, endings, and new beginnings. Be prepared for all of the emotions.
Rink Rash is a book with heavy subject matter and approaches it from both the inside and outside perspectives. We get to see what Vera is going through and how Maddie is dealing with it at the same time. There were so many times I found myself tearing up because the internal dialogue was much like my own, the feelings of hopelessness and despair, even in the face of potential happiness. That habit of pushing everything away to see if it comes back to you; to see if you’re really worth it. It shows that even in the darkest tunnels there’s still some sort of light.
I loved the story before, but I love it even more since Santana rewrote it. There are always people there to fight at your side if you just give them a chance. The family they have created in the team is so beautiful and chaotic. I loved the dynamic.
All in all this story is about strength and courage, endings, and new beginnings. Be prepared for all of the emotions.
May 4, 2025
Rink Rash is raw, romantic, hot as hell and brutally honest. A story about how life gives us choices but sometimes those choices are taken away by the love we have for others. How grief can seep into you and before you know it you’re not treading water anymore, you’re just drowning. What happens when home isn’t a place but a person, and then that person is taken from you?
Maddox lives in a world of carefully curated control. She cannot survive without it. So, when Vera Havik waltzes back into the rink she abandoned years ago, Maddox doesn’t know how to handle the chaos. She resents Vera but she’s still drawn to her. Vera Havik left five years ago. She went pro, but Vera has a dangerous secret. When she returns home, she receives devastating news that threatens to take her under for good.
Rink Rash is a love letter to the power of female love, both platonic and romantic. There’s something about how women take care of each other. It’s beautiful to watch and this team is a family. When Vera and Maddox need them the most, they will step up.
This book has so much heart. The themes of addiction, grief and depression hit HARD. I really encourage readers to read content warnings and be prepared for the emotional impact of this story. I loved this book and the emotional roller coaster it took me on. Happy Reading friends!
Maddox lives in a world of carefully curated control. She cannot survive without it. So, when Vera Havik waltzes back into the rink she abandoned years ago, Maddox doesn’t know how to handle the chaos. She resents Vera but she’s still drawn to her. Vera Havik left five years ago. She went pro, but Vera has a dangerous secret. When she returns home, she receives devastating news that threatens to take her under for good.
Rink Rash is a love letter to the power of female love, both platonic and romantic. There’s something about how women take care of each other. It’s beautiful to watch and this team is a family. When Vera and Maddox need them the most, they will step up.
This book has so much heart. The themes of addiction, grief and depression hit HARD. I really encourage readers to read content warnings and be prepared for the emotional impact of this story. I loved this book and the emotional roller coaster it took me on. Happy Reading friends!
May 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
this is a dark & gritty sapphic story with heartstopping moments and just the right amount of spice. i loved this story as crossed over & false start and i equally adore this version as well. although changes were made, the story is just as beautiful to read again.
the pain and heartbreak i felt through the pages was astounding. as vera spiraled out of control, madeline was there to save her. the plot was emotional, heavy, and full of grief, but the ending gave light that you can overcome the darkness and step back into the light.
✨tropes/vibes✨
🛼 sapphic
🛼 roller derby
🛼 found family
🛼 mental health & grief
🛼 rivals to lovers
TW: contains dark themes including active addiction, take care
thank you santana & the smuthood for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
🌶️🌶️🌶️
this is a dark & gritty sapphic story with heartstopping moments and just the right amount of spice. i loved this story as crossed over & false start and i equally adore this version as well. although changes were made, the story is just as beautiful to read again.
the pain and heartbreak i felt through the pages was astounding. as vera spiraled out of control, madeline was there to save her. the plot was emotional, heavy, and full of grief, but the ending gave light that you can overcome the darkness and step back into the light.
✨tropes/vibes✨
🛼 sapphic
🛼 roller derby
🛼 found family
🛼 mental health & grief
🛼 rivals to lovers
TW: contains dark themes including active addiction, take care
thank you santana & the smuthood for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
April 29, 2025
First, I want to thank Santana Knox and The Smuthood for allowing me to be an ARC reader for "Rink Rash." Trust me, you definitely want to read this book!
Also please make sure to read the trigger warnings. The book includes on-page drug use, intentional overdose, suicidal ideation, and more. It's important to be aware of these triggers before diving in!
I have to express just how profoundly Santana captured the emotional journey in Havoc. The way she portrayed addiction felt so raw and real it really struck a chord with me. Reading Havoc's story was like peeling back layers of pain and resilience, and witnessing her crawl her way to healing was truly a powerful experience.
Then there's Maddox what an incredible character! I absolutely loved her unwavering support for Havoc. She never once viewed her as a burden, and that was so heartwarming. Maddox brought a sense of hope and healing that I never anticipated from a novel. The patience she showed while navigating Havoc’s struggles was inspiring; she understood that beneath the addiction lay a person striving to numb her pain.
Loving someone with an addiction is no easy feat, especially when they’re not ready to fight for themselves. This book hit all the right notes for me it was a definite 5 out of 5! The plot was captivating, and there were twists that genuinely surprised me. It’s a story that will linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
May 7, 2025
This was my first ever Santana Knox book and I have to say it was very well done. I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters. It is a super deep and potentially triggering book for addiction so keep that in mind. I usually only hear that Santana Knox only writes smut, while this does have a few scenes it wasn’t a lot, but I wouldn’t categorize this book as that. I was super invested the whole time and the book captured my attention from the beginning.
I love Maddox and Havoc’s relationship. I love the growth that occurs between them. Maddox is obsessed with Havoc and isn’t willing to give up on her but still gives her space to make her own choices. Havoc keeps pushing Maddox away because of her abandonment issues but always finds her way back.
Tropes:
Found family
Haters/rivals to lovers
Small town
Sapphic
Sports romance
Magnetic attraction
I love Maddox and Havoc’s relationship. I love the growth that occurs between them. Maddox is obsessed with Havoc and isn’t willing to give up on her but still gives her space to make her own choices. Havoc keeps pushing Maddox away because of her abandonment issues but always finds her way back.
Tropes:
Found family
Haters/rivals to lovers
Small town
Sapphic
Sports romance
Magnetic attraction
May 13, 2025
This is my second book by Santana Knox and my first sports romance. This book follows the FMC's Vera Havik (Havoc) and Madeline Maddox. Maddox is the new girl on the derby team, and when Havoc comes back she wants nothing to do with her. Havoc moves back to the town after hearing a voicemail from an old derby friend. But eventually Maddox finds herself drawn to Havoc and unable to stop thinking about it. She wants to help and protect her through the trauma she is going through.
This book was written well, and I feel that everything that Santana writes is always done perfectly. This book dealt heavily with grief, addiction and mental health. While Maddox was so set on hating Havoc, I enjoyed how her character shifted and eventually warmed up to her. I think the addiction and grief part of this story was truly heartbreaking. Even knowing that addiction just didn't affect Havoc it affected Maddox as well. Their relationship was complex, but the spice was incredible.
I just wish I knew more about roller derby to fully understand the jargon. I don't know anything about that sport so I found that a little hard to read. Otherwise this book was amazing, and I think I will read everything that Santana writes.
This book was written well, and I feel that everything that Santana writes is always done perfectly. This book dealt heavily with grief, addiction and mental health. While Maddox was so set on hating Havoc, I enjoyed how her character shifted and eventually warmed up to her. I think the addiction and grief part of this story was truly heartbreaking. Even knowing that addiction just didn't affect Havoc it affected Maddox as well. Their relationship was complex, but the spice was incredible.
I just wish I knew more about roller derby to fully understand the jargon. I don't know anything about that sport so I found that a little hard to read. Otherwise this book was amazing, and I think I will read everything that Santana writes.
April 29, 2025
as always, thank you to santana for just existing and writing some of the best stories ever and thank you to the smuthood for the ARC!
i honestly loved this! i’m so picky when it comes to sapphic romances because they tend to follow these stereotypical plots and rink rash doesn’t. there’s so many different emotions you’ll feel from beginning to end and it’s more than a romance, it’s a story about trauma, substance abuse and overcoming obstacles.
in all honestly i would’ve even been fine if it was a bit longer to get a little more background on the mc’s, but i still loved it as is! i definitely recommend this for all my sports romances and sapphic lovers.
i honestly loved this! i’m so picky when it comes to sapphic romances because they tend to follow these stereotypical plots and rink rash doesn’t. there’s so many different emotions you’ll feel from beginning to end and it’s more than a romance, it’s a story about trauma, substance abuse and overcoming obstacles.
in all honestly i would’ve even been fine if it was a bit longer to get a little more background on the mc’s, but i still loved it as is! i definitely recommend this for all my sports romances and sapphic lovers.
May 10, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m not okay now, but I will be. Maybe that’s enough.
Talk about a book leaving you raw! I felt every damn emotion, and Vera broke my heart countless times. It seemed like there was no hope for a HEA, but Santana dragged us there, kicking and screaming.
By the end of the book, I was half convinced I could strap on some skates and become a derby girl myself, until I remembered that my old bones would not take well to getting hit or falling. Alas, I will have to live out the fantasy here with Vera and Maddox. I thoroughly enjoyed how Santana drew me into the sport of roller derby. From the standpoint of a complete newbie, I didn't feel overwhelmed by all the sport-specific jargon.
A bit of enemies to lovers, more so position rivals to obsessions to lovers, this sapphic romance is medium burn and spicy, with a heavier emphasis on emotions and plot over pure smut. Addiction, grief, and self-destruction are the greatest themes.
This is a complete standalone that ends in a HEA.
Thanks to The Smuthood for the early review copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m not okay now, but I will be. Maybe that’s enough.
Talk about a book leaving you raw! I felt every damn emotion, and Vera broke my heart countless times. It seemed like there was no hope for a HEA, but Santana dragged us there, kicking and screaming.
By the end of the book, I was half convinced I could strap on some skates and become a derby girl myself, until I remembered that my old bones would not take well to getting hit or falling. Alas, I will have to live out the fantasy here with Vera and Maddox. I thoroughly enjoyed how Santana drew me into the sport of roller derby. From the standpoint of a complete newbie, I didn't feel overwhelmed by all the sport-specific jargon.
A bit of enemies to lovers, more so position rivals to obsessions to lovers, this sapphic romance is medium burn and spicy, with a heavier emphasis on emotions and plot over pure smut. Addiction, grief, and self-destruction are the greatest themes.
This is a complete standalone that ends in a HEA.
Thanks to The Smuthood for the early review copy.
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