Saving Ria

by Jessi Rodriguez

Rosalia Acosta Rivera has always played it safe—especially when it comes to love. Growing up in the quiet town of Cidra, Puerto Rico, she has spent the majority of her adolescence buried in books and ambition, steering clear of romantic entanglements. That is until she graduates with her Master’s degree and gets a new job at a bar where she is reunited with her high school crush, Rianna Vasquez. Although Ria doesn’t recognize her, Rosalia remembers everything. Determined not to let this chance slip away, she sets her sights on winning Ria's heart.
But Rianna Vasquez is no ordinary woman. Charming, magnetic, and emotionally guarded, she harbors a secret that manifests in her Friday night ritual of seducing tourists and avoiding connection. Everyone warns Rosie to stay away, but she doesn’t listen. She’s determined to show Ria a love that heals and a love that stays... even if it means risking her own heart in the process.
A story of longing, obsession, and the deepest connection. This summer in San Juan will change everything—and no one will come out untouched.

Published March 2, 2026

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating companion story you won’t want to put down

Another incredible book from this amazing author. This companion novel revisits the same story as the previous book but from Rosie’s point of view, and it was absolutely captivating from beginning to end. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Even when life gets in the way and you have to step away from reading, this is the kind of book that stays on your mind and pulls you back in the moment you can pick it up again.

The love story between Rosie and Ria is beautifully written and perfectly executed. You’ll find yourself rooting for them every step of the way. This slow burn is wonderfully crafted—the build-up is flawless, the storyline engaging, and the emotional depth makes the journey incredibly rewarding.

I loved every aspect of this book, from the growing tension between them to the tender and powerful way their love develops. The longing, the moments of frustration, the undeniable attraction, and the palpable chemistry between Rosie and Ria make this an unforgettable read.

Thank you, Jessi, for the opportunity to read your incredible book. It was truly a pleasure, and I’m very excited to see what comes next from such a fantastic author.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Ana Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories pull you in quietly, and before you realize it, you’re completely inside them. Saving Ria did that to me.

There’s something about the dynamic between Rosie and Ria that pulls you in immediately. Ria walks back into Rosie’s life after years away, carrying this quiet mystery around her, and from that moment you can feel the tension in every interaction. She’s magnetic, a little guarded, and impossible to fully figure out, which only makes you want to keep reading to understand her.

What makes the story so compelling is Rosie’s determination to get close to someone everyone else seems to warn her about. The more you read, the more you start wondering what really happened to Ria during those years, and whether Rosie will actually reach the parts of her that she keeps hidden.

I had already read The Girl Who Saved Me, and I loved seeing this story from the other side. Saving Ria gives you Rosie’s perspective and it complements the first book beautifully. It adds so much emotional depth to moments that felt mysterious before.

By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave their story behind. Some characters just stay with you, and Rosie and Ria definitely did.

Thank you Jessi, for this beautiful, heartfelt story.

[Autumn Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was pleasant to revisit The Girl Who Saved Me with this book.

I enjoyed the POV of Rosalia this time. It gives a fresh and opposing perspective to Ria and we finally understand what drove both of them to do what they did.

It clears up the gaps and what was unsaid in TGWSM. I think it was a good idea to separate the POVs in two separate book as combining them would probably have made the book more than twice in length.

This also reminded me of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight and Midnight Sun with two different POVs but the same story.

Saving Ria felt less stressful and a little more lighthearted compared to TGWSM but it still had it's emotional ups and downs and also wasn't heavy on the sex scenes but was well placed within the proper context of the story which to me personally, made it all the more enjoyable to read.


Overall Saving Ria was a truly entertaining and wonderful story about obsessive and deep love. And also a much fun revisit on Puerto Rican speech, cuisine and culture! If you loved The Girl Who Saved Me you'll love Saving Ria but if you have not read it, it wouldn't matter!

Ese libro está nítido. No pude soltarlo — brutal! Mil gracias Jessi!