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Three Rivers #2
Turning Back
Nestled in a towering fir forest on British Columbia’s famous Vancouver Island, Three Rivers Campground is calling you to come relax, explore, and maybe even fall in love...
Trish Rivers lives a good life.
A happy life.
A safe and predictable life spent running the cafe at her family’s campground, perfecting her award-winning recipes, and terrorizing the local small town bartender with her endless supply of bad jokes.
Trish has never wanted more—or at least, she’s never admitted she wants more, but that was before Kennedy March showed up on Vancouver Island.
That was before Trish realized falling for your sister’s girlfriend’s best friend doesn’t fit into a safe and predictable life, especially when you’ve never fallen for a girl before.
Kennedy’s not sure why life as a real estate star in Toronto doesn’t feel quite as shiny as it used to, but a spontaneous vacation to visit her newly coupled-up best friend seems like the perfect opportunity to ignore the problem.
Three weeks without client calls, benefit galas, and, most of all, dating apps is worth braving the woods for, but her plans for relaxation come crashing to a halt at the sight of Trish—the absolutely off-limits and definitely straight little sister of her best friend’s new girlfriend.
There’s no path to each other that doesn’t end in disaster, but the farther they go, the more Trish and Kennedy realize it might be too late to turn back.
Turning Back is part of the Three Rivers series, a trilogy of interconnected sapphic standalones. Grab your tent and get ready for an adventure in this steamy romance from bestselling author Katia Rose.
Trish Rivers lives a good life.
A happy life.
A safe and predictable life spent running the cafe at her family’s campground, perfecting her award-winning recipes, and terrorizing the local small town bartender with her endless supply of bad jokes.
Trish has never wanted more—or at least, she’s never admitted she wants more, but that was before Kennedy March showed up on Vancouver Island.
That was before Trish realized falling for your sister’s girlfriend’s best friend doesn’t fit into a safe and predictable life, especially when you’ve never fallen for a girl before.
Kennedy’s not sure why life as a real estate star in Toronto doesn’t feel quite as shiny as it used to, but a spontaneous vacation to visit her newly coupled-up best friend seems like the perfect opportunity to ignore the problem.
Three weeks without client calls, benefit galas, and, most of all, dating apps is worth braving the woods for, but her plans for relaxation come crashing to a halt at the sight of Trish—the absolutely off-limits and definitely straight little sister of her best friend’s new girlfriend.
There’s no path to each other that doesn’t end in disaster, but the farther they go, the more Trish and Kennedy realize it might be too late to turn back.
Turning Back is part of the Three Rivers series, a trilogy of interconnected sapphic standalones. Grab your tent and get ready for an adventure in this steamy romance from bestselling author Katia Rose.
Unknown Binding
Published February 7, 2024
324 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Katia Rose
25 books990 followersKatia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She loves to write romances that make her readers laugh, cry, and swoon (preferably in that order). She’s rarely found without a cup of tea nearby, and she’s more than a little obsessed with tiny plants. Katia is proudly bisexual and has a passion for writing about love in all its forms.
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
Join the Club Katia community and grab your romance freebies! katiarose.com/club-katia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 9, 2024
Delightful read!
Such a huge improvement in storytelling, the couple's (Trish & Kennedy) slowly developed relationship and even their chemistry. Did really enjoy the storyline.
Highly recommended book!
Such a huge improvement in storytelling, the couple's (Trish & Kennedy) slowly developed relationship and even their chemistry. Did really enjoy the storyline.
Highly recommended book!
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March 9, 2024
💜NOW LIVE!💜
My next sapphic romance is HERE! Get ready to watch a firecracker city girl fall for an equally feisty country girl at an adorable family-run campground. It's got heat, heart, and cozy vibes galore. I can't wait to share it with you! Seeing so many readers fall in love with the world of Three Rivers has meant more to me than I can say. I adore hanging out with these characters in my head, and I'm so excited that you get to spend more time with them now too! Trish and Kennedy were some of the most straight up FUN characters I've ever written, and while this story has its share of drama and tear-jerker moments too, it's got plenty of banter and snark to balance things out. I hope you enjoy this trip back to Three Rivers as much as I did!
-Katia
January 26, 2024
Katia Rose’s talent is unbelievable. She’s given us eight sapphic romances in just a few years and has NEVER, EVER MISSED! Not once! Her writing style is readable, concise, relatable, and so freaking funny! Katia’s characters have a variety of different interests and personalities, but I end up connecting with each and every one. Katia, if you’re reading this, I would love to take a writing class from you!
Trish Rivers runs the restaurant on her family’s campground. While she’s kind, funny, and a talented chef, she can’t help but feel inadequate compared to her sisters Emily and Clover. Kennedy March is best friends with Emily’s girlfriend Kim, and a vacation to Three Rivers Campground sounds like just what she needs. As she spends time at Three Rivers, Kennedy starts to realize that life as a hotshot real estate agent in Toronto is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Trish and Kennedy are both firecrackers with strong personalities. In Passing Through, they offer comedic supporting roles as the quieter Emily and Kim find love. In this book, I adored getting to know Trish and Kennedy on an intimate level: their wants, their insecurities, and the things they’ve never told anyone up until now. And wow, the things these women have been through…I ached for them. They both deserve the world! Plus, of course, they’re amazing together. Their chemistry is wonderful and I love how *sweet* they are with each other!!! I had a lump in my throat toward the end of the book because what I was reading was so freaking emotional and I just…gah!!!
There are parts of this book that made me want to bang my head against a wall and shout “WHAT ARE YOU DOING” at our MCs. But, like, I think that’s a great thing. Because Katia Rose put me in the MOMENT with them, and I felt like an intimate observer experiencing all the discomfort and tension right along with them. And then when they finally got their perfect moments together, it was beyond gratifying.
In short, I loved this book and can’t wait for Clover’s story! (And, uh, I can’t be the only one low-key wanting a Scooter romance too, right?)
For content advisories, check out Katia Rose’s website.
Trish Rivers runs the restaurant on her family’s campground. While she’s kind, funny, and a talented chef, she can’t help but feel inadequate compared to her sisters Emily and Clover. Kennedy March is best friends with Emily’s girlfriend Kim, and a vacation to Three Rivers Campground sounds like just what she needs. As she spends time at Three Rivers, Kennedy starts to realize that life as a hotshot real estate agent in Toronto is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Trish and Kennedy are both firecrackers with strong personalities. In Passing Through, they offer comedic supporting roles as the quieter Emily and Kim find love. In this book, I adored getting to know Trish and Kennedy on an intimate level: their wants, their insecurities, and the things they’ve never told anyone up until now. And wow, the things these women have been through…I ached for them. They both deserve the world! Plus, of course, they’re amazing together. Their chemistry is wonderful and I love how *sweet* they are with each other!!! I had a lump in my throat toward the end of the book because what I was reading was so freaking emotional and I just…gah!!!
There are parts of this book that made me want to bang my head against a wall and shout “WHAT ARE YOU DOING” at our MCs. But, like, I think that’s a great thing. Because Katia Rose put me in the MOMENT with them, and I felt like an intimate observer experiencing all the discomfort and tension right along with them. And then when they finally got their perfect moments together, it was beyond gratifying.
In short, I loved this book and can’t wait for Clover’s story! (And, uh, I can’t be the only one low-key wanting a Scooter romance too, right?)
For content advisories, check out Katia Rose’s website.
June 28, 2025
4,5 stars
Great second book. I recommend reading the first one for context, even though this one is technically a standalone story.
I enjoyed it maybe a bit more than the previous one and once again I appreciated the approach to complicated topics in interpersonal relationships.
Great second book. I recommend reading the first one for context, even though this one is technically a standalone story.
I enjoyed it maybe a bit more than the previous one and once again I appreciated the approach to complicated topics in interpersonal relationships.
November 20, 2025
Turning Back is a rom-com with heart. It is a fantastic story of two women in the midst of their respective identity crises, who find, when they literally bump into one another, the spark that explodes their carefully curated and unsatisfyingly safe worlds. Itching for change but afraid to shake things up, they have to discover their self-worth does not depend on appearances, neither physical nor that of career success. These opposites attract and antagonize each other at every opportunity and see each other past the insecurities that plague them.
Katia Rose deftly presents body positivity while acknowledging the struggles women face when they aren't society's idea of perfect. She brilliantly balances Trish's desire to love herself with her need to be seen. Kennedy has to learn to find fulfillment outside of her accomplishments and learn that there is more to herself than those things.
There is the challenge of overwhelming emotions that both are struggling to understand and express. Rose shows us two very real people dealing with past trauma, insecurities, anxiety, family issues, other questions of personal identity, and the search for a path forward with one another.
There were laughs, tension, spice, honest dialogue, loss for words, mention of stretch marks, bonfires, s'mores, heart eyes, big city, rustic campground, coming out, and muffins.
This was my first read from Katia Rose and will not be my last. The writing style is clean and easy to follow, with very few typos, witty dialogue, lovely descriptions, and great scene setting. Perfect pace, I did not have the slightest issue being immediately invested. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend this meaningful HEA.
I received this ARC from StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
Katia Rose deftly presents body positivity while acknowledging the struggles women face when they aren't society's idea of perfect. She brilliantly balances Trish's desire to love herself with her need to be seen. Kennedy has to learn to find fulfillment outside of her accomplishments and learn that there is more to herself than those things.
There is the challenge of overwhelming emotions that both are struggling to understand and express. Rose shows us two very real people dealing with past trauma, insecurities, anxiety, family issues, other questions of personal identity, and the search for a path forward with one another.
There were laughs, tension, spice, honest dialogue, loss for words, mention of stretch marks, bonfires, s'mores, heart eyes, big city, rustic campground, coming out, and muffins.
This was my first read from Katia Rose and will not be my last. The writing style is clean and easy to follow, with very few typos, witty dialogue, lovely descriptions, and great scene setting. Perfect pace, I did not have the slightest issue being immediately invested. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend this meaningful HEA.
I received this ARC from StoryOrigin. This is my honest opinion.
February 12, 2024
Katia's latest in the Three Rivers series has humor and angst and this one features Trish Rivers and Kennedy March with the beautiful backdrops of Vancouver Island and bustling Toronto.
Trish is the self taught, talented cook/baker at the Riverview Cafe and Kitchen. She's the middle Rivers sister but will she ever measure up to the other two? She exudes confidence while hiding body doubt and self perceived failure and more behind humor and a strict work ethic. Kennedy is a topnotch realtor in Toronto on a 3 week break in Br. Columbia to visit her best friend (and just maybe mull over her fast paced career and bed hopping lifestyle). I was quickly drawn in by the song choices and car ride to the airport to pick up Kennedy then the first bumpy meeting between Trish and Kennedy. Oh no, Starbucks?
Family love and support is strong throughout this storyline but experienced in different degrees and both lead characters camouflage their vulnerabilities with snappy banter. So much unthinking pressure on Trish, I hurt for her.
Katia put me plumb in the campground experience and I loved how the romance between Trish and Kennedy was written - questioning, slow, stumbling, enlightening and hot. Kennedy's eventual appreciation for the surrounding fir trees and mist so different from downtown Toronto and intense pressure. The conflict and confusion that Trish goes through with the "disruption" in her lifestyle is palpable. Timbits, blueberry-lemon muffins and beautiful scenery, East Coast and West Coast Katia's descriptions are crisp and easily imagined and her characters diverse and fully developed.
I wanted Trish and Kennedy to work through their problems and take a chance for a happy ending.
Easy, lovely read and I look forward to Clover's story next.
Trish is the self taught, talented cook/baker at the Riverview Cafe and Kitchen. She's the middle Rivers sister but will she ever measure up to the other two? She exudes confidence while hiding body doubt and self perceived failure and more behind humor and a strict work ethic. Kennedy is a topnotch realtor in Toronto on a 3 week break in Br. Columbia to visit her best friend (and just maybe mull over her fast paced career and bed hopping lifestyle). I was quickly drawn in by the song choices and car ride to the airport to pick up Kennedy then the first bumpy meeting between Trish and Kennedy. Oh no, Starbucks?
Family love and support is strong throughout this storyline but experienced in different degrees and both lead characters camouflage their vulnerabilities with snappy banter. So much unthinking pressure on Trish, I hurt for her.
Katia put me plumb in the campground experience and I loved how the romance between Trish and Kennedy was written - questioning, slow, stumbling, enlightening and hot. Kennedy's eventual appreciation for the surrounding fir trees and mist so different from downtown Toronto and intense pressure. The conflict and confusion that Trish goes through with the "disruption" in her lifestyle is palpable. Timbits, blueberry-lemon muffins and beautiful scenery, East Coast and West Coast Katia's descriptions are crisp and easily imagined and her characters diverse and fully developed.
I wanted Trish and Kennedy to work through their problems and take a chance for a happy ending.
Easy, lovely read and I look forward to Clover's story next.
December 7, 2025
"I love her, and she loves me, and we will find our way through these woods together."
Katia Rose delivers another emotionally heartwarming romance in the second book of the Three Rivers series.
We follow outspoken and talented baker, Trish Rivers, who is also battling with insecurities and self-doubt.
And fiery and quick-witted Kennedy March, who is trying to deal with her very well-calculated life being broken down by her own shadows of insecurities.
The city girl and the country girl worlds collide in a flurry of electricity and coffee spillage, and sparks fly or burn as they realize their similarities make them stronger to dislike each other than they thought.
Rose creates a beautifully paced romance where as they spend more time together they start to open doors for one another that they never knew possible, and for once, they start to feel a type of acceptance and challenge they never felt before.
Rose does an incredible job of showing how insecurities can be planted and fester in somebody from difficult childhood expectations to the feeling of inadequacy because of the way you look, and Kennedy and Trish are a stunning representation of how one can grow and move forward from these traumas and hard experiences through love and vulnerability.
Seeing how Kennedy and Trish shake each other's lives up by being someone they never knew the other needed was wonderful, but seeing them learn to be honest with themselves, to allow themselves to feel deserving of love and trust outside of the world's expectations of them was even more romantic than I ever expected.
I didn't think I would enjoy this type of chemistry at the beginning but as the story developed I began to think maybe similar people do attract just as much as opposites because I was loving the banter and hints of challenge between them, especially as it morphed into comfort. And Katia Rose again delivers this story through such gorgeous prose and quotes that will stick with you for a long while.
But most of all, I know that the tent scene IFYYK will be in my mind for a very long time. swoon 🥵
But overall I think one of the best aspects of this novel was the way family is portrayed, especially when it comes to those deep-rooted feelings of anger, contempt, or sadness that are sometimes brushed under the rug. I loved seeing Kennedy and Trish be able to walk over those obstacles and finally be able to have those hard conversations with both of their families that allowed them to grow as individuals and Katia Rose truly made me feel each and every tidal wave of emotions as these characters overcame some hard truths.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first because I felt like we could've gotten even more moments of build-up of their relationship before our final HEA, but I'm rooting for these two so hard!!!
Songs and quotes:
🎶 Fat Funny Friend by Maddie Zahm🎶
I've worked so hard just to be accepted for all the things I already know I am. I don't want to add anything to the list."
🎶 No Matter Where You Are by Us The Duo 🎶
"Don't let go.
It's become a thing for us since that first trip of hers in Toronto. Whenever we get uncertain or overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I've come to believe might be the most important relationship of my life, we say those words to each other again.
Don't let go."
4.5 Stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️
Katia Rose delivers another emotionally heartwarming romance in the second book of the Three Rivers series.
We follow outspoken and talented baker, Trish Rivers, who is also battling with insecurities and self-doubt.
And fiery and quick-witted Kennedy March, who is trying to deal with her very well-calculated life being broken down by her own shadows of insecurities.
The city girl and the country girl worlds collide in a flurry of electricity and coffee spillage, and sparks fly or burn as they realize their similarities make them stronger to dislike each other than they thought.
Rose creates a beautifully paced romance where as they spend more time together they start to open doors for one another that they never knew possible, and for once, they start to feel a type of acceptance and challenge they never felt before.
Rose does an incredible job of showing how insecurities can be planted and fester in somebody from difficult childhood expectations to the feeling of inadequacy because of the way you look, and Kennedy and Trish are a stunning representation of how one can grow and move forward from these traumas and hard experiences through love and vulnerability.
Seeing how Kennedy and Trish shake each other's lives up by being someone they never knew the other needed was wonderful, but seeing them learn to be honest with themselves, to allow themselves to feel deserving of love and trust outside of the world's expectations of them was even more romantic than I ever expected.
I didn't think I would enjoy this type of chemistry at the beginning but as the story developed I began to think maybe similar people do attract just as much as opposites because I was loving the banter and hints of challenge between them, especially as it morphed into comfort. And Katia Rose again delivers this story through such gorgeous prose and quotes that will stick with you for a long while.
But most of all, I know that the tent scene IFYYK will be in my mind for a very long time. swoon 🥵
But overall I think one of the best aspects of this novel was the way family is portrayed, especially when it comes to those deep-rooted feelings of anger, contempt, or sadness that are sometimes brushed under the rug. I loved seeing Kennedy and Trish be able to walk over those obstacles and finally be able to have those hard conversations with both of their families that allowed them to grow as individuals and Katia Rose truly made me feel each and every tidal wave of emotions as these characters overcame some hard truths.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first because I felt like we could've gotten even more moments of build-up of their relationship before our final HEA, but I'm rooting for these two so hard!!!
Songs and quotes:
🎶 Fat Funny Friend by Maddie Zahm🎶
I've worked so hard just to be accepted for all the things I already know I am. I don't want to add anything to the list."
🎶 No Matter Where You Are by Us The Duo 🎶
"Don't let go.
It's become a thing for us since that first trip of hers in Toronto. Whenever we get uncertain or overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I've come to believe might be the most important relationship of my life, we say those words to each other again.
Don't let go."
4.5 Stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️
January 11, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book because Trish Rivers was funny and likable in the first one. I was curious about what was behind that funny girl mask. I wasn’t disappointed and even found a lot of myself in her and her story. Both main characters are layered, very different yet the same, both so confident on the outside but very vulnerable and looking for their place. The way their story began—with annoyance and tension, followed by it being replaced by intimacy—was really satisfying. That scene in the tent was... wow. Once again, Rose gives the characters time to grow individually before bringing them back together. What I appreciate is that Rose stays realistic, never rushing the characters into a relationship or making the big-city girl give up everything in a heartbeat. Another read that I really appreciated.
March 29, 2025
Liked the chemistry in this one better than in the first novel. Although that might have been influenced by a very good audibook performance.
The universe of this series, in general, is very comforting and isn't overdramatic, which is always a plus.
The universe of this series, in general, is very comforting and isn't overdramatic, which is always a plus.
September 17, 2025
3.75⭐️ rounded up!
February 25, 2024
Passing Through, the first book in the Three Rivers series, was one of my most underrated books for 2023. I adored it and diving into Turning Back felt like revisiting old friends at the Rivers family's cozy campground.
Trish is the middle child of the Rivers family and the heart behind the campground's cafe. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to her weight and personality. Enter Kennedy March, a Toronto real estate dynamo seeking refuge, who finds herself unexpectedly charmed by both Trish and the tranquil life at Three Rivers.
Their journey from a disastrous first meeting to friends to more is a delicious slow-burn romance, filled with moments of genuine connection and misunderstandings that had me emotionally invested. Katia Rose brilliantly crafts characters that are relatable and deeply flawed, making their emotional highs and lows resonate on a personal level. The chemistry between Trish and Kennedy is tangible, turning their story into a compelling exploration of love, growth, and self-acceptance.
Turning Back is more than just a love story; it's a narrative rich with layers of personal growth and the transformative power of love. Witnessing Trish and Kennedy's journey was an emotional rollercoaster, blending humor, heartache, and the sweet satisfaction of love found. As their story wrapped up, we got a sneak peek of Clover's potential romance for book three and I'm looking forward to returning to the Three Rivers campground.
Many thanks to StoryOrigin and Katia Rose for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Trish is the middle child of the Rivers family and the heart behind the campground's cafe. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to her weight and personality. Enter Kennedy March, a Toronto real estate dynamo seeking refuge, who finds herself unexpectedly charmed by both Trish and the tranquil life at Three Rivers.
Their journey from a disastrous first meeting to friends to more is a delicious slow-burn romance, filled with moments of genuine connection and misunderstandings that had me emotionally invested. Katia Rose brilliantly crafts characters that are relatable and deeply flawed, making their emotional highs and lows resonate on a personal level. The chemistry between Trish and Kennedy is tangible, turning their story into a compelling exploration of love, growth, and self-acceptance.
Turning Back is more than just a love story; it's a narrative rich with layers of personal growth and the transformative power of love. Witnessing Trish and Kennedy's journey was an emotional rollercoaster, blending humor, heartache, and the sweet satisfaction of love found. As their story wrapped up, we got a sneak peek of Clover's potential romance for book three and I'm looking forward to returning to the Three Rivers campground.
Many thanks to StoryOrigin and Katia Rose for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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June 1, 2025This is a fun, enjoyable read! I liked how the characters moved from getting off on the wrong foot to cultivating a friendship that led into more!
October 5, 2025
You know I love a series I can get through in one go...
I think I liked the second book a smidge better than the first book. Turning Back centers around Trish Rivers (Rivers daughter #2) and Kim's bff from Toronto, Kennedy, who's visiting Kim and meeting Emily for the first time. There's tension between Trish and Kennedy from the get go, and it sets up a great dynamic between the two. Oh, and Trish has no idea she's into women. And everyone wants her and the local bartender, Scooter, to get together. And Kennedy is only in town for short time.
Turning Back is, quite simply, a good time. It's probably not going to blow you away or win any awards. But I liked it.
I think I liked the second book a smidge better than the first book. Turning Back centers around Trish Rivers (Rivers daughter #2) and Kim's bff from Toronto, Kennedy, who's visiting Kim and meeting Emily for the first time. There's tension between Trish and Kennedy from the get go, and it sets up a great dynamic between the two. Oh, and Trish has no idea she's into women. And everyone wants her and the local bartender, Scooter, to get together. And Kennedy is only in town for short time.
Turning Back is, quite simply, a good time. It's probably not going to blow you away or win any awards. But I liked it.
July 24, 2025
go girl, give us nothing! never has a book been this bland
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book of the series... this one is great, but it took me longer to really get into it.
Trish has never felt like big emotions in her past relationships with guys; she has always been a bit shy about how to look at women. Her life hasn’t been easy, losing her mom was shocking to the core, she was her main supporter, she has felt that being the kid from the middle has a high price to pay and, not being the “conventional” beauty doesn't help.
Kennedy March has a new conquest anytime she wants, she lacks emotional connections, but it has been rooted in her family’s dynamics.
When Trish and Kennedy meet, they crash but they discover that some times taking a second look is worthy.
Trish has never felt like big emotions in her past relationships with guys; she has always been a bit shy about how to look at women. Her life hasn’t been easy, losing her mom was shocking to the core, she was her main supporter, she has felt that being the kid from the middle has a high price to pay and, not being the “conventional” beauty doesn't help.
Kennedy March has a new conquest anytime she wants, she lacks emotional connections, but it has been rooted in her family’s dynamics.
When Trish and Kennedy meet, they crash but they discover that some times taking a second look is worthy.
October 28, 2025
Passing Through was so good, I thought there was no way I would love this one as much. Turns out I can’t really say yet which one I liked better because Turning Back was just as good. I have a lot in common with Trish (like a lot) and getting to know her character was surprising.
July 26, 2024
A solid sequel that should have been my favourite in the series.
What went well: a rivals-to-lovers romance with my favourite Rivers sister?
Pass me the popcorn, please.
What could have gone better: too. much. crying. Fans of hurt/comfort are going to love this book because it dials down the scenery, amps up the drama and features a swoon-worthy .
Me though, I have a very limited tolerance for hurt/comfort, and I did not like seeing . There were several reasons for this, which I'll stick behind a spoiler tag because - self-explanatory.
Turns out my list of reasons was longer than I thought. Hah.
TL;DR: this was the story of Trish Rivers going and Kennedy having which... fiiine - but it wasn't the joyous homosexual awakening I was hoping it'd be.
What went well: a rivals-to-lovers romance with my favourite Rivers sister?
Pass me the popcorn, please.
What could have gone better: too. much. crying. Fans of hurt/comfort are going to love this book because it dials down the scenery, amps up the drama and features a swoon-worthy .
Me though, I have a very limited tolerance for hurt/comfort, and I did not like seeing . There were several reasons for this, which I'll stick behind a spoiler tag because - self-explanatory.
Turns out my list of reasons was longer than I thought. Hah.
TL;DR: this was the story of Trish Rivers going and Kennedy having which... fiiine - but it wasn't the joyous homosexual awakening I was hoping it'd be.
January 21, 2024
It is 4am and I just finished this book and yeah I have laughed and cried.. This book gave me all the feel good feelings and I freaking loved it.. said I could spit out more than 5 stars I would.. I related so much to the FMC Trish in ways I can’t even put into words.. This book is a much read and I am ready for more of the River sisters..
August 2, 2024
Ce livre, c'est tellement plus qu'une romance FF. C'est la découverte et l'acceptation de qui on est vraiment et de ce que l'on souhaite réellement sans laisser le regard des autres nous affecter.
February 6, 2024
TL;DR: 5 stars. Absolutely amazing book. The writing style is concise, funny, and serious when needed. Rose is one of my favorite authors and I would recommend her to anyone.
Trigger warnings for the book: Explicit sexual content, grieving the death of a parent, reference to fat-shaming, reference to a college instructor's grooming and sexual harassment of a student
I loved this book. I think it stood up to the first book which I thought was stunning and Rose’s best work yet. This one definitely rivals that one though. I think that the way Rose writes her characters is what makes her work so unique. She can capture the essence of a character in a few paragraphs while others take chapters to show us the same thing.
Spoilers below:
Trish describes herself as fat in the book and the way Rose writes it makes it clear that to her being fat isn’t a bad thing. Which is great to read in a sapphic novel where most of the characters are skinny. Not to mention that most authors will write about plus-size women and have the fat character hate themselves for being fat, but Rose flips this on its head and has Trish explicitly tell the reader that she loves her body. Rose even goes a step further than that by showing us that Kennedy loves Trish not despite her fatness but because of who she is which includes her body and everything about it.
Trish also had to stand up for herself in her family dynamic in a way that isn’t written about much. She did it despite her fear that it might not be well respected and that is something I admire greatly about her.
The clash between city girl and country girl had me laughing and smiling throughout the entire book as well.
Ultimately I am giving this book 5 stars. I think being able to see Emily and Clover through Trish’s eyes helped me understand them as characters more. It added to the entirety of the series and I look forward to seeing Clover’s book next. Thank you to Rose for giving me an ARC as well.
Trigger warnings for the book: Explicit sexual content, grieving the death of a parent, reference to fat-shaming, reference to a college instructor's grooming and sexual harassment of a student
I loved this book. I think it stood up to the first book which I thought was stunning and Rose’s best work yet. This one definitely rivals that one though. I think that the way Rose writes her characters is what makes her work so unique. She can capture the essence of a character in a few paragraphs while others take chapters to show us the same thing.
Spoilers below:
Trish describes herself as fat in the book and the way Rose writes it makes it clear that to her being fat isn’t a bad thing. Which is great to read in a sapphic novel where most of the characters are skinny. Not to mention that most authors will write about plus-size women and have the fat character hate themselves for being fat, but Rose flips this on its head and has Trish explicitly tell the reader that she loves her body. Rose even goes a step further than that by showing us that Kennedy loves Trish not despite her fatness but because of who she is which includes her body and everything about it.
Trish also had to stand up for herself in her family dynamic in a way that isn’t written about much. She did it despite her fear that it might not be well respected and that is something I admire greatly about her.
The clash between city girl and country girl had me laughing and smiling throughout the entire book as well.
Ultimately I am giving this book 5 stars. I think being able to see Emily and Clover through Trish’s eyes helped me understand them as characters more. It added to the entirety of the series and I look forward to seeing Clover’s book next. Thank you to Rose for giving me an ARC as well.
February 17, 2024
So first of I should say I got this as a Arc and I am giving my unbiased opinion of this book. This is book 2 in a series of 3 and you should really read the first before hitting this one. You could read it out of order but you would really miss too much. Takes place on Vancouver Island where three sisters and their father reside and run a campground. In the first book we met the main character in this book a straight late 20s woman. I don't want to give too much away but be aware this is a F/F love story. If that strikes your fancy then this is well worth picking up as per usual Katia Rose does a great job of fleshing out the story. The next book looks to be a good one as well so catch up now before it comes out. Solid 4 stars
February 17, 2024
4 stars for "Turning Back" by Katia Rose!
At Three Rivers Campground, Trish has never felt like the prettiest or brightest of the River sisters, but she has made a point of being the funniest. So when equally witty Kennedy comes for a visit, the two find themselves facing their greatest insecurities and maybe even finding their greatest loves.
Alas, I’m not sure I was the right fit for this novel - I don’t know if I’m just not super fond of one of the tropes, or if it was just bad timing for me to read this, but obviously I’m still happy I got to do so (it still managed gosh darn 4 stars even with my feeling less connected to it 😆 )! Katia Rose is one of my favourite writers of sapphic romance and her writing in “Turning Back” is as vibrant as always. I am indeed a big fan of how she writes, and I feel like the setting of this series is the perfect match for her skills. Just as in the first book, Katia Rose writes in a way that brings the scenery to my mind’s eye in a breathtakingly vivid way, and golly do I ever appreciate that, haha 😍
“Turning Back” did feel a wee bit heavier than “Passing Through”, I think due to the main characters’ insecurities and pasts being such a big part of their story here, which I don’t think could have (or should have) been avoided at all, but it is worth noting in case any prospective readers are going through a hard time right now. Could actually be therapeutic (because it isn’t *dark*, just sometimes heavier as they process and learn, and thus grow) or could be a good idea to just buy this to have it for a bit later 😜
All in all, I felt this was a beautiful addition to the series and I am super duper excited for the third!!!
**Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC!
At Three Rivers Campground, Trish has never felt like the prettiest or brightest of the River sisters, but she has made a point of being the funniest. So when equally witty Kennedy comes for a visit, the two find themselves facing their greatest insecurities and maybe even finding their greatest loves.
Alas, I’m not sure I was the right fit for this novel - I don’t know if I’m just not super fond of one of the tropes, or if it was just bad timing for me to read this, but obviously I’m still happy I got to do so (it still managed gosh darn 4 stars even with my feeling less connected to it 😆 )! Katia Rose is one of my favourite writers of sapphic romance and her writing in “Turning Back” is as vibrant as always. I am indeed a big fan of how she writes, and I feel like the setting of this series is the perfect match for her skills. Just as in the first book, Katia Rose writes in a way that brings the scenery to my mind’s eye in a breathtakingly vivid way, and golly do I ever appreciate that, haha 😍
“Turning Back” did feel a wee bit heavier than “Passing Through”, I think due to the main characters’ insecurities and pasts being such a big part of their story here, which I don’t think could have (or should have) been avoided at all, but it is worth noting in case any prospective readers are going through a hard time right now. Could actually be therapeutic (because it isn’t *dark*, just sometimes heavier as they process and learn, and thus grow) or could be a good idea to just buy this to have it for a bit later 😜
All in all, I felt this was a beautiful addition to the series and I am super duper excited for the third!!!
**Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC!
February 22, 2024
Trish runs the cafe' at her family's campground in BC. She's well known for her muffins, cakes and of course food. Her sister Emily's girlfriend Kim's bestfriend Kennedy is coming from Torontoto visit for 3 weeks. Of course Trish and Kennedy rub each other the wrong way.
This is Book two of the series of 3 and it would be good if you read Passing Through first. But this is a great enemies/slow burn love story and can be read as a stand alone! Definitely a 5 star story!!
This is Book two of the series of 3 and it would be good if you read Passing Through first. But this is a great enemies/slow burn love story and can be read as a stand alone! Definitely a 5 star story!!
February 20, 2024
Such a great book, snuck in a reading session whenever I could. Snark, comedy and drama what more do you need.
January 30, 2024
I received an ARC of this book on StoryOrigin.
This book was absolutely wonderful! I love pretty much everything Katia Rose writes but I connected to this book in a different way than usual. I'm also plus sized and a "late bloomer" so to speak, so I connected with her struggles deeply, particularly with her fears of feeling unlovable due to her body. This book felt a lot heavier than most of the other sapphic romances I've read because it deals with deep insecurities that I myself have. It was beautifully written as always, with loveable characters and great humor! Kim and Emily from Passing Through are back and it was nice to see their relationship holding strong. I can't wait to see Clover get her happy ending!
This book was absolutely wonderful! I love pretty much everything Katia Rose writes but I connected to this book in a different way than usual. I'm also plus sized and a "late bloomer" so to speak, so I connected with her struggles deeply, particularly with her fears of feeling unlovable due to her body. This book felt a lot heavier than most of the other sapphic romances I've read because it deals with deep insecurities that I myself have. It was beautifully written as always, with loveable characters and great humor! Kim and Emily from Passing Through are back and it was nice to see their relationship holding strong. I can't wait to see Clover get her happy ending!
January 26, 2024
I think this is my favorite Katia Rose book so far (which is saying something given how much I've enjoyed all her books). The three sisters grieve the loss of their mother while finding their feet in their hometown, the family business, and possibly beyond.
This book dives deeper into Trish, the middle sister's, life and character. She's the stubborn, funny, keeps-things-in-check, middle child who feels a bit overshadowed as the only plus-sized sister between her conventionally beautiful older sister who runs the family business and her brilliant younger sister trying to save the world through academia. On top of this, despite both her sisters being openly queer from a young age, she's facing the worst case of compulsory heterosexuality in Canada, possibly, because literally every single person thinks it's only a matter of time before she and her bestie, Scooter, get together.
We met Kim, who is now dating the oldest of the Rivers sisters, in the first book in this series, and in this book, her best friend is coming to visit. Kennedy is a high-achieving, social media star, conventionally attractive, and a bit of a ladykiller to boot. The thing that really irks Trish about Kennedy, though, is that they are now in competition for being "the funny one". Kennedy is looking forward to this nature-filled vacation because she's feeling burned out and empty inside thanks to her endless hustle and achievement-oriented family. The two initially find each other annoying and then realise they have a lot of similar insecurity beneath the surface and slowly grow to be friends.
I loved the main characters a lot. Complex and interesting characterization will always win over almost anything else for me in a book, and most romances don't really delve too deep into making rounded-out characters that feel relatable, but this one absolutely does. Trish's struggles about feeling like she already has a deck stacked against her and one more "not normal" thing about her may be too much for people to accept her is very relatable, as is the struggle to not quite know her sexuality despite being closer to thirty and being surrounded by queer women who are very accepted.
I don't normally care much about the setting but it's clear from the foreword and the contents of the book that Katia Rose deliberately chose this particular setting and deeply connects her characters with it, not just as a place they grew up, but as a place to enjoy nature and fun but also experience life outside the hustle of big city life. And if one should fall for a beautiful and intelligent woman who lives in this scenic location, all the better!
I can't praise this enough, honestly. This is my new favorite by Katia Rose, as I said, but all of them are very enjoyable and clearly crafted with care, especially the settings and the characters.
This book dives deeper into Trish, the middle sister's, life and character. She's the stubborn, funny, keeps-things-in-check, middle child who feels a bit overshadowed as the only plus-sized sister between her conventionally beautiful older sister who runs the family business and her brilliant younger sister trying to save the world through academia. On top of this, despite both her sisters being openly queer from a young age, she's facing the worst case of compulsory heterosexuality in Canada, possibly, because literally every single person thinks it's only a matter of time before she and her bestie, Scooter, get together.
We met Kim, who is now dating the oldest of the Rivers sisters, in the first book in this series, and in this book, her best friend is coming to visit. Kennedy is a high-achieving, social media star, conventionally attractive, and a bit of a ladykiller to boot. The thing that really irks Trish about Kennedy, though, is that they are now in competition for being "the funny one". Kennedy is looking forward to this nature-filled vacation because she's feeling burned out and empty inside thanks to her endless hustle and achievement-oriented family. The two initially find each other annoying and then realise they have a lot of similar insecurity beneath the surface and slowly grow to be friends.
I loved the main characters a lot. Complex and interesting characterization will always win over almost anything else for me in a book, and most romances don't really delve too deep into making rounded-out characters that feel relatable, but this one absolutely does. Trish's struggles about feeling like she already has a deck stacked against her and one more "not normal" thing about her may be too much for people to accept her is very relatable, as is the struggle to not quite know her sexuality despite being closer to thirty and being surrounded by queer women who are very accepted.
I don't normally care much about the setting but it's clear from the foreword and the contents of the book that Katia Rose deliberately chose this particular setting and deeply connects her characters with it, not just as a place they grew up, but as a place to enjoy nature and fun but also experience life outside the hustle of big city life. And if one should fall for a beautiful and intelligent woman who lives in this scenic location, all the better!
I can't praise this enough, honestly. This is my new favorite by Katia Rose, as I said, but all of them are very enjoyable and clearly crafted with care, especially the settings and the characters.
February 6, 2024
Turning Back" by Katia Rose really hit the spot for me. It's like a cozy, heartwarming trip into the Canadian wilderness, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. I was already a fan of Trish from the first book in the Three Rivers series, and it was awesome to see her story unfold further, especially with Kennedy stirring things up.
Katia Rose has this knack for making characters and their banter genuinely fun and relatable. The laughs and the aww moments are all there, making the pages practically turn themselves. The backdrop of life in the forest adds this cool, almost magical touch, making you feel like you're right there with Trish and Kennedy.
That said, I've got to admit, I was left wanting more. The book's a bit on the short side, and there were times when it felt like we skipped a beat or two in the story. I found myself wishing for a few more chapters to dive deeper into the relationship between Trish and Kennedy, to really get into the nitty-gritty of their journey together.
But honestly, that's just me being greedy because I enjoyed the world and the characters so much. The story is a real treat, full of warmth, laughter, and those sweet, tender moments that make you sigh. It's one of those books you're happy to recommend to friends, knowing they're in for a good time.
In short, if you're up for a story that feels like a mini getaway, complete with some adorable romance and great scenery, "Turning Back" is definitely worth picking up. Katia Rose has done a fantastic job, and I'm already looking forward to revisiting this little slice of Canadian paradise.
Katia Rose has this knack for making characters and their banter genuinely fun and relatable. The laughs and the aww moments are all there, making the pages practically turn themselves. The backdrop of life in the forest adds this cool, almost magical touch, making you feel like you're right there with Trish and Kennedy.
That said, I've got to admit, I was left wanting more. The book's a bit on the short side, and there were times when it felt like we skipped a beat or two in the story. I found myself wishing for a few more chapters to dive deeper into the relationship between Trish and Kennedy, to really get into the nitty-gritty of their journey together.
But honestly, that's just me being greedy because I enjoyed the world and the characters so much. The story is a real treat, full of warmth, laughter, and those sweet, tender moments that make you sigh. It's one of those books you're happy to recommend to friends, knowing they're in for a good time.
In short, if you're up for a story that feels like a mini getaway, complete with some adorable romance and great scenery, "Turning Back" is definitely worth picking up. Katia Rose has done a fantastic job, and I'm already looking forward to revisiting this little slice of Canadian paradise.
March 10, 2024
It’s pretty rare that I find a book I genuinely cannot put down, but Turning Back had me carrying around my kindle all day to get a few pages in at every free moment. I read it as a stand alone, I haven’t read the first book in the series. I expected to feel like I was missing out on some background details but it wasn’t like that at all. It felt whole and full on its own.
The story of Kennedy and Trish was so real. It was incredibly easy to slip into the feelings they experienced, from Trish’s anxiety about her sexuality to Kennedy’s relationship with her parents. There were funny moments too and I love the heavy dose of sarcasm they both share. The only thing that disappointed me was that the story ended because I could’ve kept reading about Trish and Kennedy for so much longer. I’d read several sequels to their story! I plan to go back and read the first in the series and cannot wait for the next installment (patience has never been a virtue of mine).
I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Kennedy and Trish was so real. It was incredibly easy to slip into the feelings they experienced, from Trish’s anxiety about her sexuality to Kennedy’s relationship with her parents. There were funny moments too and I love the heavy dose of sarcasm they both share. The only thing that disappointed me was that the story ended because I could’ve kept reading about Trish and Kennedy for so much longer. I’d read several sequels to their story! I plan to go back and read the first in the series and cannot wait for the next installment (patience has never been a virtue of mine).
I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
I didn’t hate it but I as close to hated it as you can get without hating it. The whole book one character was saying how much she has accepted her body as it is while also clearly having not learned to accept her body at all. The romance was quick and didn’t actually feel there in time for the third act breakup to happen. Almost like why even do the grand gesture to get back together when they weren’t really together much in the first place?
August 5, 2025
i’m trish and trish is me
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