Rooting Interest: An 831 Stories Romance

by Cat Disabato

An 831 Stories celebrity-normal person sports romance. Meryl Wilsner’s Cleat Cute meets Running Point starring Kate Hudson. When Jennifer Felix gets pulled off her NFL beat to cover the WNBA All-Star weekend, she doesn’t expect to find herself so taken with the sport, its fans, or one of its stars, crowd-favorite Natalie Czapski. But as Jennifer and Natalie move past their rocky start in the press room and build trust, Jennifer has to decide if she’s going to risk putting her heart out there for a woman who claims to be married to the game.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat Disabato's debut was exceptionally well done! Considering we clock in at about 224 pages in the final copy, it was a well rounded/full bodied story with all the high points of a full length romance novel. As a journalist, I of course, really enjoyed Felix's character. As a writer who has had to (begrudgingly) cover sports when it's not my forté (it was Felix's, but she covered football, not women's basketball), I understand the disappointment of being switched to a beat (topic) that you don't prefer to cover or know much about. But a good journalist can pivot and make the beat their own, which is exactly what Felix did.

I also appreciated the journalism ethics that Felix pondered when considering becoming involved with Natalie. I think all the aspects of their relationship were really well done, considering the qualms on both ends (for Felix, her ethics and for Natalie, her worries over her performance). Both Felix and Natalie have an excellent friend group, and that definitely enhanced my reading experience. I love a friend group that is well represented, with friends who listen to each other and give solid advice. The character growth of both characters was nailed on the head.

I'll admit I know next to nothing about the WNBA, but Disabato does a great job in getting the reader to understand the lingo and game through her writing. The LGBTQIA+ representation is exceptionally important in the story, and it felt genuine (and I assume realistic, given that I have never watched WNBA). The whole time I was reading, I was thinking about the Disney Channel Original Movie "Double Teamed" and if that's the vibe you want in your book, but gay, you will definitely enjoy Rooting Interest when it releases in January 2026!

Thank you so much to the 831 team for the advanced copy!

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.5⭐️

[Laina Emmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick & cute read! Felt very seen by Natalie: a character that eats too much chipotle & is obsessed with The Traitors.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally -- a sports romance that seems like a real sports romance. I love that they are both super driven career focused women and there is lots of sports activity included, it's not all fluff. The ending was a little cheesy and reminded me of the movie Notting Hill. Overall, a good read for sports romance fans.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

[Kaiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sapphic sports romance between a WNBA player and a sports reporter. Jennifer Felix is forced to change her reporting beat from the NFL to the WNBA and falls for Natalie Czapski the athlete she was assigned to cover. 831 Stories nails it once again.

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone watches women’s sports, and everyone should be reading 831 Stories. The first sports romance and it’s so good. I am always impressed by how these authors fit so much yearning, chemistry, relationship development (between friends and between main characters!) and conflict in so few pages. This perfectly encapsulated so many feelings of joy and community I’ve felt at women’s professional sporting events. I loved the insight into the life of sports journalists (don’t ask me if it was accurate, but it was certainly interesting) and athletes.

Do yourself a favor and start reading every book this imprint puts out - you won’t regret it.

Thanks to 831 Stories and Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Megan O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!! Another banger of an entry to the 831 Stories collection, this time featuring a WNBA player and the reporter assigned to cover her return to the game post-injury!! What impresses me most about these stories is just how full a story can be conveyed in close to 200 pages, with deep character reflections and fast-moving but engaging plots, with emotional resonance and funny character beats!

Reporter Jennifer Felix (not just Jen, preferably Felix) has never covered basketball before, and embarrasses herself to the star player Natalie Czapski (CZ or Natty Ice to her fans, of course) - but the sizzling vibes that develop when she has to follow her around for a day for a story are undeniable (and maybe unethical). When she’s pulled back to her regular NFL beat, they can spend time together, but will it be an airball or a perfect three pointer?

I could not get over how emotionally powerful this story was, especially for Felix who was pulled from writing about a topic she thought she loved in a style she loved and had to adapt quickly to broader stories that she found she loved telling and then had to find a way to merge those styles and tell the stories she wanted within her parameters. Add on the layers of her fighting for what she wants in Natalie, and also taking no shit and standing up for herself even when it was hard - she’s a tough, resilient woman and I was so here for her journey!!!


Thanks so much to Cat Disabato, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Aysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rooting Interest by Cat Disabato is a sweet, compact sports romance that surprised me in the best way. We follow Jennifer Felix, a lesbian sports journalist reassigned from covering football to women’s basketball — a world she’s never followed — just as WNBA star Natalie Czapski returns after a season-ending injury. As Felix learns the ropes, she and Natalie grow closer, despite the very real ethical dilemma of a journalist dating an athlete she’s assigned to cover.

I loved the fresh twist on the “famous person/regular person” trope and the chemistry between the leads. Even though the main conflict was predictable, it didn’t take much away from the story. My only wish is that we had a deeper look into Natalie’s headspace, especially regarding her recovery and her shift toward being open to a relationship. This is one of those novellas that easily could have been a full-length novel.

Overall, a warm, engaging, and unique sports romance I’d happily recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna Gergerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sapphic sports romance from 831? Bring it on! I’m already hooked!

I always love a fast-paced, short and sweet romance from 831, but this one might be my new favorite. It has a bit of everything you would want from a sports romance, and even though I don’t care the least bit about basketball, this one was a slam dunk in my opinion. I loved the growing relationship between Felix and Natalie, but I also loved the wonderful cast of supporting characters that offer their love and friendship to our two protagonists as they navigate the ups, downs, and professional risks of falling in love with each other.

This is a great, quick option for the diehard romance lover, but I also think that 831 has several perfect low-commitment bite-size options for those who are looking to try the genre (or sports sub-genre) for a change of pace. I do wish they would have included the epilogue in the publication, but that’s just how 831 rolls, I guess.

I’m grateful to the publisher for providing me the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.

[Mercedes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 stories for the opportunity to once again read and review and arc!

I am always a huge fan of 831 stories and one for eh things I love the most about their romance books is their focus on creating stories that aren’t just your run of the mill, coot and paste romance. Rooting interest is co exception. My favorite part of this story was the amount of representation for LGBTQIA, as someone who reads a lot of popular romance it’s still unfortunately not as thoughtfully captured as this. Following Natalie and Felix’s love story was touching, and seeing them come into their own as individuals and as even better.

As someone who isn’t a huge sports fan I appreciated the authors dedication to producing a story that felt accurate to the game. However, I’d be lying if I said some of it didn’t go over my head.

Overall I give this a 3.5 stars and look forward to more from 831!!

[grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special thanks to 831 Stories for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions!

Felix usually covers the NFL, but when she gets pulled in to cover the WNBA All Star weekend tournament she finds herself entranced by Natalie, a WNBA vet returning to the sport after an injury. After a less than pleasant experience during a press conference, Natalie and Felix slowly connect and grow a relationship despite their many differences.

I love everything 831 Stories publishes, and Rooting Interest is no different. I really appreciated how much this story highlighted the nuances of being a woman in sports journalism as a huge sports fan myself. I can’t wait to read what Cat Disabato writes next!

[Bree Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another win from 831 Stories! This book follows Jennifer aka Felix, a lesbian football reporter who gets asked to cover the WNBA, specifically Natalie Czapski. The more Felix is around reporting on their team the more Natalie begins to trust her.

I loved reading Felix and Natalie’s story. It felt believable and the author did a great job of building tension between the characters. I also really enjoyed watching Felix become more comfortable showing her true self and eventually even reporting on LGBTQ+ fans of sports.

My one critique is that the ending felt a bit abrupt. It is an 831 book so it is a bit shorter than a standard novel. But the characters seemingly resolve a somewhat large conflict suuuuper quickly. It took me out of the story & is the only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for my eARC!

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of the 831 stories that have been released so far and this one immediately sucked me in!

I found this to be one of the more engaging stories and I have enjoyed them all. I don’t really care about sports romance but the basketball took a backseat so I didn’t need to know much.

I felt like the author created tension between the two love interests well and had me rooting for them! I did want a little more from the ending but it looks like there will be an epilogue released around publication so I’ll be excited to get a little more closure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

wasn't expecting much since it was my first 831 stories book and while the plot sounded fun, i wasn't really aware of what i was getting myself into, but i loved it! it was sweet and hot, heartbreaking and important and all of that in 200 pages!

'rooting interest' also brings up the topic of women's and queer people's place in sports (on the field and on the sidelines). i found it pretty inspiring.

my only negative is that the ending seemed very abrupt.

thank you netgalley and 831 stories for this arc.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a women’s sports fan who lives in LA I had such a great time with Rooting Interest. It had everything I could want: fun romance, the WNBA, LA references, and an amazing Vanderpump joke that had me howling. Really look forward to reading epilogue upon its’ release and reading more of Cat’s work.

4.25 rounded down.

Thank you Netgalley, 831 Stories, and Cat Disabato for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen is a sports writer for a LA newspaper covering the local NFL team. When assigned to the LA WNBA’s team beat, she’s disappointed she didn’t get the football position she was planning on. And then, she strikes up a relationship with the team’s star, who is returning from an injury. Sports is always a good behind the scenes setting, but rarely is the sport the WNBA.
I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.

[Moriah Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything from 832 stories but I saw this on edelweiss and thought I would give it a try.
I really enjoyed this little novella it was the perfect length to see the characters fall in love and also experience their own growth. I almost wish we had the full story so I could see if Felix chose a different career or they made up after the fight. But I think this was executed well and I’m a sucker for a sports romance!!

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a steamy queer sports romance. It was obvious to me from the beginning how it would end, and I appreciated the predictability. I wish we got deeper insight into who Natalie was away from the WNBA, helping to build her overall character more like we saw with Felix. I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ focus in sports and how much of an impact it could have. Thank you 831 Stories & NetGalley for this ARC to review.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut totally worked for me. It’s a tight, well rounded romance with great character work. I loved how the book handled Felix being pushed onto an unfamiliar sports beat and the ethical tension around her relationship with Natalie. Their dynamic felt thoughtful and real, and their supportive and funny friend group was also a highlight.

[Izzy Boudnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks so much to 831 Stories for the ARC! I enjoyed this book as a queer sports fan, but felt like it fell a little flat. It was too boring for me. Definitely excited to have a book like this added to the 831 Stories canon and loved the representation, but probably wouldn’t reread, unlike some of the other stories by this publisher.

[mh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one a lot! Wish we got a little more of Natalie, because I didn't love her. This would have been great as a full-length dual-POV novel. I really liked the main character. Her job was really interesting, which is what 831 Stories does best-- having women in interesting careers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.

[Shanti Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a short story, this story packed a punch! These characters were complex and showcased very real struggles that are relatable and undeniable in real-world relationships.
I especially loved how much backstory we are able to learn about our main characters. I felt like this story was very well developed and definitely made a lasting impression.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I YELLED at my iPad when I realized the book was finished. I need the epilogue STAT!

All in all, a very sweet and funny sapphic sports journalist x WNBA player story. Great cast of supporting characters. Also, Natalie being a Cyclone? I know that’s right 🙂‍↕️

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much story packed into a novella! Really enjoyed the sports and journalism setting as well as Sean and Casey as secondary characters. Another great 831 read!

Thank you netgalley and 831 for the eARC!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, as a non-sports person! The story arc was really solid and well done. I liked Felix and her personal growth. Her friends are amazing!

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an ARC!

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun romance with some great plotting and some great vibes throughout with our protagonist. would definitely recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Aida ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess read this if you're really into female sports. I am not.

[Michela]

DNF @ 15%

A pretentious cover doesn’t make up for poor writing. Tons of books with cartoon covers are much better written than this.

[SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

um hi hello this is the best romance i've read in....... ever?

[Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m an 831 stan forever, this trope just isn’t for me