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Star Shipped
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Cat Sebastian’s long-awaited foray into contemporary romance! A witty, emotional, and deliciously slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance between two costars on a popular sci-fi television series.
Simon and Charlie, actors on a long-running sci-fi show, can’t stand one another. Charlie is impetuous, outgoing, and basically feral, and Simon thinks he should have stayed in reality television where he belongs. They’ve spent the better part of a decade quarreling over the spotlight and pretty much everything else, and everybody in the industry knows it. Now that Simon’s contract is finally done, he can move to New York, start fresh with work he actually likes, and get away from Charlie.
Simon’s only problem is that people might assume he’s been pushed off the show due to being impossible to work with. And he is kind of difficult to work with. He doesn’t get along with people—unlike Charlie, who somehow tricked everyone on the show into adoring him despite some outrageously bad on-set behavior during the show’s first season. Simon would rather never have to see Charlie again, but reluctantly agrees to stage a very public friendship during the short time before he moves. When Charlie has to leave town to deal with a family emergency, this means Simon comes along. Their road trip brings Simon to places he would never have willingly chosen to visit—and he finds he’s actually not having a terrible time.
The more he gets to know Charlie, the more Simon suspects he’s underestimated his former coworker. Simon also realizes that after seven years, Charlie might know him better than anyone ever has. Even stranger, Charlie seems to be starting to actually like him, despite knowing him so well. Still, Simon is about to move three thousand miles away, so whatever’s starting between him and Charlie can’t really amount to anything... right?
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Simon and Charlie, actors on a long-running sci-fi show, can’t stand one another. Charlie is impetuous, outgoing, and basically feral, and Simon thinks he should have stayed in reality television where he belongs. They’ve spent the better part of a decade quarreling over the spotlight and pretty much everything else, and everybody in the industry knows it. Now that Simon’s contract is finally done, he can move to New York, start fresh with work he actually likes, and get away from Charlie.
Simon’s only problem is that people might assume he’s been pushed off the show due to being impossible to work with. And he is kind of difficult to work with. He doesn’t get along with people—unlike Charlie, who somehow tricked everyone on the show into adoring him despite some outrageously bad on-set behavior during the show’s first season. Simon would rather never have to see Charlie again, but reluctantly agrees to stage a very public friendship during the short time before he moves. When Charlie has to leave town to deal with a family emergency, this means Simon comes along. Their road trip brings Simon to places he would never have willingly chosen to visit—and he finds he’s actually not having a terrible time.
The more he gets to know Charlie, the more Simon suspects he’s underestimated his former coworker. Simon also realizes that after seven years, Charlie might know him better than anyone ever has. Even stranger, Charlie seems to be starting to actually like him, despite knowing him so well. Still, Simon is about to move three thousand miles away, so whatever’s starting between him and Charlie can’t really amount to anything... right?
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
12731 people want to read
About the author
Cat Sebastian
27 books5,230 followersCat Sebastian has written sixteen queer historical romances. Cat’s books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
Before writing, Cat was a lawyer and a teacher and did a variety of other jobs she liked much less than she enjoys writing happy endings for queer people. She was born in New Jersey and lived in New York and Arizona before settling down in a swampy part of south. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, having one-sided conversations with her dog, or doing the crossword puzzle.
The best way to keep up with Cat’s projects is to subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
September 6, 2025
Without a doubt, one of my top romances of the year. Absolutely phenomenal.
December 28, 2025
4.5 stars. Containing Cat Sebastian’s signature tenderness and queer sensibility but this time in a contemporary, cinematic setting, Star Shipped is yet another excellent queer romance worthy of a silver screen.
November 10, 2025
review TK but please know that Cat Sebastian is a wizard or something idk
December 15, 2025
It took me a while to get used to the writing, it isn't as flowy as what I'm used to in romance books, but once I got past that start I ate it up.
This was my first Cat Sebastian book, hence the first part about how I'm not used to her writing. I'm not a fan of historical books, but this is contemporary so I thought I'd give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised.
We follow Charlie, an actor in a tv series, and his co-star of seven years, Simon. Charlie has severe anxiety and mild OCD, and that's a big part of the plot which I loved. The author handled the feeling of having limitations and being at war with yourself because you don't want other people to have to go out of their way for you beautifully.
The way Charlie accepts Simon for who he is, accommodating to make things better for him, it's so sweet I could cry(I actually did cry a few times). Don't go in expecting a lot of smut, this is not it. Star Shipped is mainly a book about finding your people and accepting yourself. I love how the characters are a little older, showing you don't have everything figured out once you hit 30, it's a constant journey.
I really liked Star Shipped, I might even try her other books.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC!
This was my first Cat Sebastian book, hence the first part about how I'm not used to her writing. I'm not a fan of historical books, but this is contemporary so I thought I'd give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised.
We follow Charlie, an actor in a tv series, and his co-star of seven years, Simon. Charlie has severe anxiety and mild OCD, and that's a big part of the plot which I loved. The author handled the feeling of having limitations and being at war with yourself because you don't want other people to have to go out of their way for you beautifully.
The way Charlie accepts Simon for who he is, accommodating to make things better for him, it's so sweet I could cry(I actually did cry a few times). Don't go in expecting a lot of smut, this is not it. Star Shipped is mainly a book about finding your people and accepting yourself. I love how the characters are a little older, showing you don't have everything figured out once you hit 30, it's a constant journey.
I really liked Star Shipped, I might even try her other books.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC!
Want to read
November 18, 2024Cat Sebastian could write a 60k worth of grocery list and i’d still want to read it.
October 6, 2025
Rating: 4.25
"You are a mess. A disaster. And that fact is so special to me.”
Star Shipped (OUT MARCH 3, 2026) is Cat Sebastian's first contemporary novel and it's what you get when you take all her Cabot books and mix them with Star Trek RPF. In other words: this book is delightful and laugh-out-loud funny with emotions that hit you straight in the gut. The MCs costar in a long-running sci-fi show and there's plenty of fantastic banter as their relationship evolves from mutual dislike to romance.
"I’m trying to be nice,” Simon complains.
“You’re so bad at it. Have you ever tried before? Is this your first time? Should I be flattered?” Somehow, Charlie’s managing to sound mean and hurt and fake-flirty all at once.
The characters are Going Through It, Simon more so than Charlie, and the book does a great job getting into the mind of someone who feels in a place of unbelonging in the world and who often struggles to get through the day without a minor breakdown or two.
These guys are both dealing with a lot and they both remain disaster gremlins with emotional constipation throughout. Just a little less so with each other as time goes on and they start to build something between them ❤️
"I can’t fake normal right now.”
That’s so uncomfortably relatable that Simon’s at a loss about what to say.
As someone who grew up in fandom, Star Shipped felt perfectly aligned with my interests in so many ways. I've literally been part of fandom discussions like the Discord messages in the book 😂
I was snort-laughing while reading and also wincing from being perceived (so rude!) and I almost felt like Simon was too relatable at time 😅
That said, the pacing was a bit off for me and the ending didn't quite feel complete. There were also some things regarding Simon's mental health and diagnoses that I wasn't fully satisfied with and while I adored the romance, I wanted more of it heh.
"I don’t want to ruin this,” he says in a rush. “Don’t let me ruin it.”
Overall though, this was a fantastic book! Cat Sebastian remains my favourite author and regardless of whichever genre her next book is, I'll be getting my grubby little hands on it because I just adore her writing so much.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC
"You are a mess. A disaster. And that fact is so special to me.”
Star Shipped (OUT MARCH 3, 2026) is Cat Sebastian's first contemporary novel and it's what you get when you take all her Cabot books and mix them with Star Trek RPF. In other words: this book is delightful and laugh-out-loud funny with emotions that hit you straight in the gut. The MCs costar in a long-running sci-fi show and there's plenty of fantastic banter as their relationship evolves from mutual dislike to romance.
"I’m trying to be nice,” Simon complains.
“You’re so bad at it. Have you ever tried before? Is this your first time? Should I be flattered?” Somehow, Charlie’s managing to sound mean and hurt and fake-flirty all at once.
The characters are Going Through It, Simon more so than Charlie, and the book does a great job getting into the mind of someone who feels in a place of unbelonging in the world and who often struggles to get through the day without a minor breakdown or two.
These guys are both dealing with a lot and they both remain disaster gremlins with emotional constipation throughout. Just a little less so with each other as time goes on and they start to build something between them ❤️
"I can’t fake normal right now.”
That’s so uncomfortably relatable that Simon’s at a loss about what to say.
As someone who grew up in fandom, Star Shipped felt perfectly aligned with my interests in so many ways. I've literally been part of fandom discussions like the Discord messages in the book 😂
I was snort-laughing while reading and also wincing from being perceived (so rude!) and I almost felt like Simon was too relatable at time 😅
That said, the pacing was a bit off for me and the ending didn't quite feel complete. There were also some things regarding Simon's mental health and diagnoses that I wasn't fully satisfied with and while I adored the romance, I wanted more of it heh.
"I don’t want to ruin this,” he says in a rush. “Don’t let me ruin it.”
Overall though, this was a fantastic book! Cat Sebastian remains my favourite author and regardless of whichever genre her next book is, I'll be getting my grubby little hands on it because I just adore her writing so much.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC
Want to read
December 28, 2025March 2026 can’t come soon enough ✨🙏
November 18, 2025
4.5!
This felt different from Cat Sebastian’s usual and not just because it’s her first contemporary! Despite the differences, there’s that signature CatSeb style and heart at the core of the story. This almost felt less focused on the romance and more on our two mc’s, Simon and Charlie, learning to just be more gentle with themselves and each other. However, by the very end, I was totally sold and swooning!
Simon Devereaux is “uncomfortably relatable” and I have this weird thing where I usually hate to see my own anxieties on the page. I’d like a moment away from them please and thank you! But Simon’s portrayal was done with a lot of care and I appreciated seeing it so much. I definitely know what it’s like to be your own worst enemy and his arc is really lovely to read.
I do wish we had Charlie’s pov! He’s such an interesting character and I would’ve loved to learn even more about him by seeing his perspective. The discord messages were absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud. This is 100% a love letter to fandom and this will feel familiar if you’ve ever been in one.
In short, CatSeb’s foray into contemporary paid off! But you already knew it would. I certainly had no doubts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
I’m seated. The bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not even published yet” but I’m simply TOO seated
This felt different from Cat Sebastian’s usual and not just because it’s her first contemporary! Despite the differences, there’s that signature CatSeb style and heart at the core of the story. This almost felt less focused on the romance and more on our two mc’s, Simon and Charlie, learning to just be more gentle with themselves and each other. However, by the very end, I was totally sold and swooning!
Simon Devereaux is “uncomfortably relatable” and I have this weird thing where I usually hate to see my own anxieties on the page. I’d like a moment away from them please and thank you! But Simon’s portrayal was done with a lot of care and I appreciated seeing it so much. I definitely know what it’s like to be your own worst enemy and his arc is really lovely to read.
I do wish we had Charlie’s pov! He’s such an interesting character and I would’ve loved to learn even more about him by seeing his perspective. The discord messages were absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud. This is 100% a love letter to fandom and this will feel familiar if you’ve ever been in one.
In short, CatSeb’s foray into contemporary paid off! But you already knew it would. I certainly had no doubts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
___________________________________
I’m seated. The bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not even published yet” but I’m simply TOO seated
to-read-romance
June 25, 2025this is the Cat Sebastian book i never knew i always wanted
December 9, 2025
I swear to god Cat Sebastian could write a grocery list and I would buy 12 copies and submit it for a Pulitzer.
STAR SHIPPED was perfection. Simon and Charlie’s banter was unmatched and their chemistry left me swooning. The book itself was really low angst with minimal drama. These two were so freaking funny while also being so tender and protective of one another. The mental health rep was phenomenal and I am beyond obsessed with Edie. She’s a dog, and I wouldn’t hesitate to serve jail time for her.
If you want to read about two idiots in love who quickly get their heads out of their asses and fall hard while also still (affectionately) bullying one another, this is for you.
STAR SHIPPED was perfection. Simon and Charlie’s banter was unmatched and their chemistry left me swooning. The book itself was really low angst with minimal drama. These two were so freaking funny while also being so tender and protective of one another. The mental health rep was phenomenal and I am beyond obsessed with Edie. She’s a dog, and I wouldn’t hesitate to serve jail time for her.
If you want to read about two idiots in love who quickly get their heads out of their asses and fall hard while also still (affectionately) bullying one another, this is for you.
October 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Cat Sebastian on her way to save the contemporary romance genre iktr
Cat Sebastian on her way to save the contemporary romance genre iktr
January 27, 2026
Received from Edelweiss, thanks!
Okay, before I get into the actual review, I need to talk about the cover of this book. I hate it. And I don't hate it because of the style, I'm actually a huge fan of pulp covers! But I hate it for this book. Because this is Sebastian's first contemporary book, and it took me a good quarter of the book to get my head around the fact that is was contemporary, because the cover screams 1950s to me, and that's all I could picture as I was reading. So, while on another, historical, book, this cover would be amazing, it is absolutely the wrong cover for this book.
Now, onto the good stuff.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I haven't read a lot of Cat Sebastian, but this is by far my favourite. And unless something absolutely wild happens this year, this will absolutely be one of my top reads of 2026 (and yes, I am that confident saying that within the first two weeks of the year).
So, this is supposed to be enemies or rivals to lovers, and it sort of is? But as the book progresses we learn more about each character and maybe they weren't enemies or even rivals at all? These are two very different men, each with their own type of trauma and past, and it was so emotionally satisfying to watch their journey, and how they were able to use their own trauma to understand the other. Trauma Informed Relationshipping FTW.
I don't typically enjoy a slow-burn or overly angsty story, but if all of that slow-burn and angst is wrapped up in caring, then I am so here for it. And there is just so much caring in this book. Even when they don't know each other very well, they still recognize what the other needs and does what they can to give that to them. The level of caring in this book is off the charts.
With the way the world is currently, I've been having a lot of trouble reading with my eyes, I've been leaning heavily into audiobooks, and this was the first book in MONTHS that I read with my eyes that completely grabbed me and had me constantly wanting to pick up my kindle to read more. This may have also been the book to finally break me of my Heated Rivalry instagram edits psychosis, IT IS THAT GOOD.
Okay, before I get into the actual review, I need to talk about the cover of this book. I hate it. And I don't hate it because of the style, I'm actually a huge fan of pulp covers! But I hate it for this book. Because this is Sebastian's first contemporary book, and it took me a good quarter of the book to get my head around the fact that is was contemporary, because the cover screams 1950s to me, and that's all I could picture as I was reading. So, while on another, historical, book, this cover would be amazing, it is absolutely the wrong cover for this book.
Now, onto the good stuff.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I haven't read a lot of Cat Sebastian, but this is by far my favourite. And unless something absolutely wild happens this year, this will absolutely be one of my top reads of 2026 (and yes, I am that confident saying that within the first two weeks of the year).
So, this is supposed to be enemies or rivals to lovers, and it sort of is? But as the book progresses we learn more about each character and maybe they weren't enemies or even rivals at all? These are two very different men, each with their own type of trauma and past, and it was so emotionally satisfying to watch their journey, and how they were able to use their own trauma to understand the other. Trauma Informed Relationshipping FTW.
I don't typically enjoy a slow-burn or overly angsty story, but if all of that slow-burn and angst is wrapped up in caring, then I am so here for it. And there is just so much caring in this book. Even when they don't know each other very well, they still recognize what the other needs and does what they can to give that to them. The level of caring in this book is off the charts.
With the way the world is currently, I've been having a lot of trouble reading with my eyes, I've been leaning heavily into audiobooks, and this was the first book in MONTHS that I read with my eyes that completely grabbed me and had me constantly wanting to pick up my kindle to read more. This may have also been the book to finally break me of my Heated Rivalry instagram edits psychosis, IT IS THAT GOOD.
October 21, 2025
3.75 stars, rounded up. Cat Sebastian's books have been very enjoyable these past few years since my discovering them. This one was quite different, though. For example, two of Sebastian's previous books, "We Could Be So Good" and its even better sequel, "We Should Be So Lucky," are set in mid-20th century New York, but this new book, set to come out next March, is set in the present day. In her acknowledgements, Sebastian thanks her agent, her editor, and her publishers for their faith in her "writing something a little different," and I'm very grateful they did, because her work shines as much when it's set in the contemporary world as it does when set in the past.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm not ashamed to say I went to the publisher with my heart on my sleeve and all but begged them to take mercy on my pending NetGalley request -- which they were lovely enough to do. I just wish I had a more effusive review to give them in return for their kindness.
This ended up being incredibly low stakes. It's very introspective and mental-health positive but this isn't exactly what I thought I was signing up for based on the pitch.
Despite not getting what I wanted out of this, if you're looking for some easy light reading, where nothing bad happens and there's nothing too stressful to encounter, you'll probably enjoy this slowburn set in a safe queer space.
2.5 stars
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
This ended up being incredibly low stakes. It's very introspective and mental-health positive but this isn't exactly what I thought I was signing up for based on the pitch.
Despite not getting what I wanted out of this, if you're looking for some easy light reading, where nothing bad happens and there's nothing too stressful to encounter, you'll probably enjoy this slowburn set in a safe queer space.
2.5 stars
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
September 23, 2025
Simon Devereaux, you are so special to me.
I loved every single word of this book with my whole entire being. I knew I would; that’s how I feel about everything Cat Sebastian writes. But, man, this one really got me.
Sometimes you read a book and feel like you might as well be reading your own personal journal with the way you see yourself reflected on the pages. This was one of those books for me. Simon reminded me so much of myself in ways that were sometimes difficult to confront. I think that’s what I love so much about Cat’s books: she knows how to create characters who are raw and jagged and imperfect and make you love them anyway. And perhaps in loving those characters you’re able to recognize that all of those shared characteristics, the things that drive you crazy about yourself but that you hold gently and tenderly when you see them in a character like Simon, don’t make you awful or unlovable or unworthy of human connection. Maybe that fixes you a little bit. Who’s to say?
I could wax poetic about this book, about Charlie and Simon and Jamie and Edie and fandom and blueberry muffins and the importance of getting out of your own goddamn way for five minutes, for the foreseeable future. But I probably don’t need to do that. If you’ve read Cat’s books before, you know what to expect. It’s all of those things, and it’s a little bit more, because it’s Charlie and Simon, and they’re their own brand of messy and soft and wonderful.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon for an advanced copy and for continuing to understand my deep-seated need to get my hands on Cat’s books as soon as humanly possible. You really do pull through every time.
I loved every single word of this book with my whole entire being. I knew I would; that’s how I feel about everything Cat Sebastian writes. But, man, this one really got me.
Sometimes you read a book and feel like you might as well be reading your own personal journal with the way you see yourself reflected on the pages. This was one of those books for me. Simon reminded me so much of myself in ways that were sometimes difficult to confront. I think that’s what I love so much about Cat’s books: she knows how to create characters who are raw and jagged and imperfect and make you love them anyway. And perhaps in loving those characters you’re able to recognize that all of those shared characteristics, the things that drive you crazy about yourself but that you hold gently and tenderly when you see them in a character like Simon, don’t make you awful or unlovable or unworthy of human connection. Maybe that fixes you a little bit. Who’s to say?
I could wax poetic about this book, about Charlie and Simon and Jamie and Edie and fandom and blueberry muffins and the importance of getting out of your own goddamn way for five minutes, for the foreseeable future. But I probably don’t need to do that. If you’ve read Cat’s books before, you know what to expect. It’s all of those things, and it’s a little bit more, because it’s Charlie and Simon, and they’re their own brand of messy and soft and wonderful.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon for an advanced copy and for continuing to understand my deep-seated need to get my hands on Cat’s books as soon as humanly possible. You really do pull through every time.
June 22, 2025
As a life-long fangirl, a years-long Cat Sebastian stan, and a huge advocate for "I hate him so much I know every single thing about him oops actually that's not hate," this book was written specifically and exclusively for me. I loved it with every fiber of my being.
November 7, 2025
Thank you Avon for the eARC of Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian which publishes March 3rd, 2026. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ya'll this is it - it's my favorite romance of the year. I'll say *so far* for now but I'm really doubtful that anything will top it at this point. It's unreasonably good and I absolutely made the right decision by dropping everything to read this.
Charlie and Simon are stars on a sci-fi series and they've always been adversaries and never friends. But after a family emergency turned unexpected road trip, the more they get to know each other and Simon realizes that his assumptions about Charlie just aren't really true. And suddenly Simon *likes* spending time with Charlie much to his surprise.
Charlie and Simon are so freaking special to me - Cat Sebastian's character work is always top notch. Her character's motivations are always really clear to readers because we get to know her characters so well - even characters that we don't have POVs from. Charlie and Simon treat each other with such care and compassion and seeing their relationship blossom is truly beautiful. I already can't wait to reread this.
The anxiety/OCD rep is very very good here - and what's even better is how Charlie and Simon's best friend treat Simon's anxiety. It's never made out to be this thing that he needs to overcome or something that the other characters have to "deal with". It's just simply treated as a part of Simon and the other characters find ways to support him not because they have to, but because they want him to be more comfortable. There's a few really beautiful scenes where the other characters make sure Simon knows that they care for him by doing what they can to help with his anxiety and that it's not a burden for them to do those things.
GAH I feel like I could write a dissertation about this book, that's how much I loved it! If you do check this one out and like it, I really recommend checking out Cat's historical romances which are amongst some of my favorites.
Ya'll this is it - it's my favorite romance of the year. I'll say *so far* for now but I'm really doubtful that anything will top it at this point. It's unreasonably good and I absolutely made the right decision by dropping everything to read this.
Charlie and Simon are stars on a sci-fi series and they've always been adversaries and never friends. But after a family emergency turned unexpected road trip, the more they get to know each other and Simon realizes that his assumptions about Charlie just aren't really true. And suddenly Simon *likes* spending time with Charlie much to his surprise.
Charlie and Simon are so freaking special to me - Cat Sebastian's character work is always top notch. Her character's motivations are always really clear to readers because we get to know her characters so well - even characters that we don't have POVs from. Charlie and Simon treat each other with such care and compassion and seeing their relationship blossom is truly beautiful. I already can't wait to reread this.
The anxiety/OCD rep is very very good here - and what's even better is how Charlie and Simon's best friend treat Simon's anxiety. It's never made out to be this thing that he needs to overcome or something that the other characters have to "deal with". It's just simply treated as a part of Simon and the other characters find ways to support him not because they have to, but because they want him to be more comfortable. There's a few really beautiful scenes where the other characters make sure Simon knows that they care for him by doing what they can to help with his anxiety and that it's not a burden for them to do those things.
GAH I feel like I could write a dissertation about this book, that's how much I loved it! If you do check this one out and like it, I really recommend checking out Cat's historical romances which are amongst some of my favorites.
January 23, 2026
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Star Shipped is my FAVORITE Cat Sebastian book that I've read so far. There is a certain quality to Cat's books that I can't put my finger on, but it's so distinct and I EAT IT UP. I thought it was because she wrote historicals but NOPE, it's still there in her contemporary (OMG CAT IS WRITING CONTEMPORARY NOW!).
The YEARNING. That Simon DOESN"T EVEN REALISE HE IS DOING. The incredibly awkward fondness he and Charlie have with each other that grows until suddenly it's so painfully obvious that they are in love with each other. It's the EPITOME of idiots to lovers. There's caretaking too - while a lot of it is Charlie caring for Simon, Simon does quite a bit of caretaking too, despite his own reluctance to give himself any credit for it. The ridiculous banter - I couldn't get enough, especially when Simon was being so bitchy but clearly not meaning a word of what he says. Also, can we talk about the plot where these guys play MCs on a popular sci fi show, constantly being shipped by fans, and then they end up together, in real love AND on the show?! Fandom wish fulfillment, we love to see it. And Edie the adorable dog (Cat writes GREAT book dogs). And can Jamie get a book? I'm VERY invested in Jamie!
Anyway, this one is out March 3, and it's a must read FOR SURE.
The YEARNING. That Simon DOESN"T EVEN REALISE HE IS DOING. The incredibly awkward fondness he and Charlie have with each other that grows until suddenly it's so painfully obvious that they are in love with each other. It's the EPITOME of idiots to lovers. There's caretaking too - while a lot of it is Charlie caring for Simon, Simon does quite a bit of caretaking too, despite his own reluctance to give himself any credit for it. The ridiculous banter - I couldn't get enough, especially when Simon was being so bitchy but clearly not meaning a word of what he says. Also, can we talk about the plot where these guys play MCs on a popular sci fi show, constantly being shipped by fans, and then they end up together, in real love AND on the show?! Fandom wish fulfillment, we love to see it. And Edie the adorable dog (Cat writes GREAT book dogs). And can Jamie get a book? I'm VERY invested in Jamie!
Anyway, this one is out March 3, and it's a must read FOR SURE.
January 27, 2026
THIS WAS ADORABLE 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 my heart is so gushy and warm and plain HAPPY!!! This absolutely got me over my Heated Rivalry slump and now I want MORE!!
I love Cat’s writing style. I don’t know how to describe it, but the paragraphs are abrupt yet make sense? It keeps me on my toes? I dunno but she’s a genius.
The way she captured both Charlie and Simon’s personalities while only being in Simon’s POV is stunning. I am just enamored by both of them and their character arcs. I want a whole series just dedicated to them. Protect them at all costs!!
THIS IS A FEEL GOOD ROMANCE AND EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED RN 🥰🤍
Thank you Avon for the advance reading copy!
I love Cat’s writing style. I don’t know how to describe it, but the paragraphs are abrupt yet make sense? It keeps me on my toes? I dunno but she’s a genius.
The way she captured both Charlie and Simon’s personalities while only being in Simon’s POV is stunning. I am just enamored by both of them and their character arcs. I want a whole series just dedicated to them. Protect them at all costs!!
THIS IS A FEEL GOOD ROMANCE AND EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED RN 🥰🤍
Thank you Avon for the advance reading copy!
October 14, 2025
sorry sorry sorry but I hated this!
Cat Sebastian's first foray into contemporary romance wasn't bad because it was contemporary--she did that part well. There just isn't any story here, and also very little chemistry. I liked that Simon is an anxious mess but I didn't really feel invested in him and Charlie. at one point they say they're boyfriends and I'm like oh word? OK then.
I also found a lot of the fanfiction-y RPF-esque aspects almost intolerably cringe. I felt like I was reading a bad J2 fic from 2010 when Charlie and Simon start watching the TV show they star in. It reminded me of when, at FanExpo Boston in 2018, someone in the audience told Freddie Prinze Jr. that he should totally watch Buffy (he's married to Sarah Michelle Gellar). You could hear every asshole in the audience clench shut out of pure embarrassment. That's what reading this whole book felt like.
Cat Sebastian's first foray into contemporary romance wasn't bad because it was contemporary--she did that part well. There just isn't any story here, and also very little chemistry. I liked that Simon is an anxious mess but I didn't really feel invested in him and Charlie. at one point they say they're boyfriends and I'm like oh word? OK then.
I also found a lot of the fanfiction-y RPF-esque aspects almost intolerably cringe. I felt like I was reading a bad J2 fic from 2010 when Charlie and Simon start watching the TV show they star in. It reminded me of when, at FanExpo Boston in 2018, someone in the audience told Freddie Prinze Jr. that he should totally watch Buffy (he's married to Sarah Michelle Gellar). You could hear every asshole in the audience clench shut out of pure embarrassment. That's what reading this whole book felt like.
December 28, 2025
my favorite author is bound and determined to hold onto her title. star shipped is a masterful first foray into contemporary romance. the characters are classic cat sebastian: perfectly flawed, painfully endearing, impossible not to love and identify with. the romance is tender, the writing is easy in the best possible way, and the whole book is just so wonderfully, delightfully queer.
(i'm writing this review a whole month after reading the book. i miss it. i yearn for it. please read it.)
(i'm writing this review a whole month after reading the book. i miss it. i yearn for it. please read it.)
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
this book cleared my skin, watered my crops, and cured my depression. cat sebastian books truly heal my soul.
November 20, 2025
to be honest i dont even know where to begin with this review, i have a lot of conflicting feelings with it because over all i really enjoyed my time reading this but it also felt very chaotic and not in a fun way? if i hadn’t liked charlie and simon together as much as i did this probably would have ended up a three star read for me, but i actually really enjoyed simon once he finally got out of his own way a little bit.
my biggest issue here is i personally can only excuse someones rude behavior so much, i try to be very considerate with the way people act especially those with severe mental health issues as someone who also deals with it but i very much believe that your mental health issues are not an excuse to act like the way simon did more often than not in the first half… i got such extreme whiplash from him and since were are only in his pov the entire book sometimes it just got to be too much. i think the OCD rep in this book was phenomenally written, simon felt extremely relatable in that aspect, the way charlie was so understanding of the things that simon needs was also amazing. my literal only hang up with simon is just a lot of his actions and excuses in the first half didnt sit right with me… i didnt dislike him by any means but i also wasnt invested in or wanting to root for him.
like i said once simon got out of his own way about halfway through i was flyingggg through this book even faster than the first half because i finally found myself enjoying being in his head more, his random fights with charlie through out the second half were still very jarring because i just couldnt comprehend why either of them were starting shit out of now where in the middle of a nice moment but like at least the shit was entertaining???? so theres that??? 😂
to be loved by charlie blake would just be the stuff of everyones dreams honestly. i really loved his character and i loved all of the ways he was able to help simon have these breakthroughs mentally and didnt put up with his shit. i truly dont think there would be a better person for simon than charlie.
a lot of this book happens during the shows off season and i realllllly wish we would have gotten a bit more on set scenes or instead of the discord interludes that i could have personally done without, little scripts or scenes the episodes mentioned through out charlie and simon’s watching together. i think that would have been astronomically more interesting than the discord, i dont really feel like it added anything to the story.
i truly cannot wait to get my hands on the audiobook for this (if anyone in that department is reading this a duet style would be especially insane for this book in the best way). i think that all of the different spats simon and charlie had through out this book and their sweet moments would just send me over the edge and i need to reread it that way 🙂↕️
my biggest issue here is i personally can only excuse someones rude behavior so much, i try to be very considerate with the way people act especially those with severe mental health issues as someone who also deals with it but i very much believe that your mental health issues are not an excuse to act like the way simon did more often than not in the first half… i got such extreme whiplash from him and since were are only in his pov the entire book sometimes it just got to be too much. i think the OCD rep in this book was phenomenally written, simon felt extremely relatable in that aspect, the way charlie was so understanding of the things that simon needs was also amazing. my literal only hang up with simon is just a lot of his actions and excuses in the first half didnt sit right with me… i didnt dislike him by any means but i also wasnt invested in or wanting to root for him.
like i said once simon got out of his own way about halfway through i was flyingggg through this book even faster than the first half because i finally found myself enjoying being in his head more, his random fights with charlie through out the second half were still very jarring because i just couldnt comprehend why either of them were starting shit out of now where in the middle of a nice moment but like at least the shit was entertaining???? so theres that??? 😂
to be loved by charlie blake would just be the stuff of everyones dreams honestly. i really loved his character and i loved all of the ways he was able to help simon have these breakthroughs mentally and didnt put up with his shit. i truly dont think there would be a better person for simon than charlie.
a lot of this book happens during the shows off season and i realllllly wish we would have gotten a bit more on set scenes or instead of the discord interludes that i could have personally done without, little scripts or scenes the episodes mentioned through out charlie and simon’s watching together. i think that would have been astronomically more interesting than the discord, i dont really feel like it added anything to the story.
i truly cannot wait to get my hands on the audiobook for this (if anyone in that department is reading this a duet style would be especially insane for this book in the best way). i think that all of the different spats simon and charlie had through out this book and their sweet moments would just send me over the edge and i need to reread it that way 🙂↕️
November 8, 2025
As Cat Sebastian notes in the afterword, not everyone's experiences with anxiety and migraines will mirror Simon's...but my anxiety certainly does. Why am I talking about anxiety in a review of a largely fluffy, cozy contemporary queer romance novel? Because Simon, one half of the main couple and our point of view character, spends the entire book - and his whole life - trying to cope with crippling anxiety that gets in the way of his life. One of the strongest elements of this is that he doesn't even realize how much it impacts him. Oh, yes, he knows that he can be unpleasant and that he has specific issues relating to socialization, but until he really thinks about it, it's just the feeling that his brain is his enemy sometimes. As one line puts it, he has rules that he didn't even realize were rules until someone broke them.
At the risk of sharing too much, this is a perfect distillation of what an extreme anxiety/panic disorder feels like, for me at least. Your brain isn't always your friend and you start thinking of it as a separate entity, you arrange things to please its whims so that you can function, and even though you know it technically qualifies as a disability, you resist that notion. Dogs are your friends. Crowds and most people are not. If this sounds at all like you, Simon will make you feel seen.
But even without that alarmingly real depiction of anxiety, this is a good book. Simon and Charlie have spent seven years together on a science fiction TV show, mostly with Charlie deliberately trying to get on Simon's nerves as a manifestation of both his crush and meeting a childhood hero (Simon's seven years older than him) who turned out to be upsettingly human. But as they begin to see through each others' insecurities and walls, the slow-burn they've been unwittingly engaged in begins to burn faster, leading to a romance with plenty of little fences to hop over, but great rewards once they're cleared.
I do wish we'd gotten some chapters from Charlie's point of view, not because I didn't understand him, but because I expect that from this author's books...and, okay, yes, I might have understood him better. But ultimately I loved this and actively resented anything, like work of helping my family, that took me away from it. If you like Sebastian's books, you're probably already going to read it (yes, there are sweaters and a dog), but if you haven't discovered her yet, this may be a good gateway into her works.
At the risk of sharing too much, this is a perfect distillation of what an extreme anxiety/panic disorder feels like, for me at least. Your brain isn't always your friend and you start thinking of it as a separate entity, you arrange things to please its whims so that you can function, and even though you know it technically qualifies as a disability, you resist that notion. Dogs are your friends. Crowds and most people are not. If this sounds at all like you, Simon will make you feel seen.
But even without that alarmingly real depiction of anxiety, this is a good book. Simon and Charlie have spent seven years together on a science fiction TV show, mostly with Charlie deliberately trying to get on Simon's nerves as a manifestation of both his crush and meeting a childhood hero (Simon's seven years older than him) who turned out to be upsettingly human. But as they begin to see through each others' insecurities and walls, the slow-burn they've been unwittingly engaged in begins to burn faster, leading to a romance with plenty of little fences to hop over, but great rewards once they're cleared.
I do wish we'd gotten some chapters from Charlie's point of view, not because I didn't understand him, but because I expect that from this author's books...and, okay, yes, I might have understood him better. But ultimately I loved this and actively resented anything, like work of helping my family, that took me away from it. If you like Sebastian's books, you're probably already going to read it (yes, there are sweaters and a dog), but if you haven't discovered her yet, this may be a good gateway into her works.
November 18, 2025
My third Cat Sebastian book, and I can loudly proclaim that she has never let me down!
While this isn’t my favorite work of hers (How can you top We Could Be So Good?), it was still so much fun.
Cat Sebastian’s first foray into contemporary romance is, unsurprisingly, a complete success. There is a unique softness and wit to her writing that has you swooning one moment, giggling the next, and ready to cry a few pages later.
Her specialty is honing in on the smallest intimate moments between her characters — and how meaningful those moments are.
I loved the OCD representation. It was accurate and authentic and really showcases how debilitating the disease is. Some of the most touching moments were when Charlie made the effort to understand it. Even more touching when he accepted Simon for who he is.
My only critique — There simply wasn’t a plot after the first third of the book. I’m all for “no plot, just vibes” books, but I think I wanted a grander ending.
All of this to say — if you love queer romance stories, this is an exceptional one. Can’t wait for the world to meet Simon and Charlie!
Big thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.
They also hooked me up with an eARC of You Should Be So Lucky a while back — the kindness is so appreciated!
While this isn’t my favorite work of hers (How can you top We Could Be So Good?), it was still so much fun.
Cat Sebastian’s first foray into contemporary romance is, unsurprisingly, a complete success. There is a unique softness and wit to her writing that has you swooning one moment, giggling the next, and ready to cry a few pages later.
Her specialty is honing in on the smallest intimate moments between her characters — and how meaningful those moments are.
I loved the OCD representation. It was accurate and authentic and really showcases how debilitating the disease is. Some of the most touching moments were when Charlie made the effort to understand it. Even more touching when he accepted Simon for who he is.
My only critique — There simply wasn’t a plot after the first third of the book. I’m all for “no plot, just vibes” books, but I think I wanted a grander ending.
All of this to say — if you love queer romance stories, this is an exceptional one. Can’t wait for the world to meet Simon and Charlie!
Big thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.
They also hooked me up with an eARC of You Should Be So Lucky a while back — the kindness is so appreciated!
February 2, 2026
Thank you @avonbooks for the advanced copy to review!
Y’all, I am so behind on reviews but I just *HAD* to talk about this one. @catswrites first contemporary romance has everything I love about her historical romances, just amplified for the 2000s
Simon and Charlie!!! I am so freaking obsessed with them and their years long flirting and banter and dislike but actually they really really like each other and just don’t know how to deal?!! The road trip was so freaking cute and also kind of hot at the same time. I love how the discord interludes broke up the book too, it was so much fun to read the outside opinions.
Not only that - but I am so incredibly in love with the portrayal of Simon’s mental health. I related to it so much and there were so many times it felt like Cat was pulling things directly from my brain.
The way that Charlie just understood Simon and was so patient with him. Warmed my heart. I love how Simon was so patient with Charlie’s fears. Simon being a bit of a sassy b*tch was so funny, and Charlie constantly calling him on his sh!t made me giggle. Also? Charlie flying with Simon’s dog made me sob. The ending also made me cry. Actually I cried a lot reading this, it was perfect. No notes.
Anyway - I freaking loved this book with all of my heart and it’s probably going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. Cat never lets me down, and I am so obsessed with these two.
Y’all, I am so behind on reviews but I just *HAD* to talk about this one. @catswrites first contemporary romance has everything I love about her historical romances, just amplified for the 2000s
Simon and Charlie!!! I am so freaking obsessed with them and their years long flirting and banter and dislike but actually they really really like each other and just don’t know how to deal?!! The road trip was so freaking cute and also kind of hot at the same time. I love how the discord interludes broke up the book too, it was so much fun to read the outside opinions.
Not only that - but I am so incredibly in love with the portrayal of Simon’s mental health. I related to it so much and there were so many times it felt like Cat was pulling things directly from my brain.
The way that Charlie just understood Simon and was so patient with him. Warmed my heart. I love how Simon was so patient with Charlie’s fears. Simon being a bit of a sassy b*tch was so funny, and Charlie constantly calling him on his sh!t made me giggle. Also? Charlie flying with Simon’s dog made me sob. The ending also made me cry. Actually I cried a lot reading this, it was perfect. No notes.
Anyway - I freaking loved this book with all of my heart and it’s probably going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. Cat never lets me down, and I am so obsessed with these two.
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
You know what’s even more exciting than “Cat Sebastian’s next book”? Cat Sebastian’s first contemporary. I love her historicals and breathe in every one as they release, but there’s something exciting about an author who is excellent at writing the past translating that to the present. It’s about two guys who definitely don’t like each other, thanks to having extremely opposite personalities and having to work closely together for the past several years. But there’s apparently a road trip! And knowing Cat, there are going to be so many Feelings I won’t be able to handle it. —Jessica Pryde
You know what’s even more exciting than “Cat Sebastian’s next book”? Cat Sebastian’s first contemporary. I love her historicals and breathe in every one as they release, but there’s something exciting about an author who is excellent at writing the past translating that to the present. It’s about two guys who definitely don’t like each other, thanks to having extremely opposite personalities and having to work closely together for the past several years. But there’s apparently a road trip! And knowing Cat, there are going to be so many Feelings I won’t be able to handle it. —Jessica Pryde
Review of advance copy received from Author
i would die for charlie. And simon too, probably. but i will never, ever be the moderator of that Out There discord server.
thank you to Cat (the author) for a copy of the book!
thank you to Cat (the author) for a copy of the book!
September 3, 2025
i'm not usually a contemporary romance reader but i would follow cat sebastian to the ends of the earth. can't wait for you all to read this.
December 31, 2025
Simon, aka what if Spock had anxiety and an emotional support weiner dog:
"Don't worry, it was only physical."
"Obviously."
"I didn't like you or anything."
"Who would?" Simon says reasonably.
Charlie, aka what if William Shatner had actually been the most likable person on set:
"You know you can't cuddle a raccoon, right Charlie?"
"Not with that attitude you can't."
"Don't worry, it was only physical."
"Obviously."
"I didn't like you or anything."
"Who would?" Simon says reasonably.
Charlie, aka what if William Shatner had actually been the most likable person on set:
"You know you can't cuddle a raccoon, right Charlie?"
"Not with that attitude you can't."
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