Rooting Interest: An 831 Stories Romance

by Cat Disabato

For fans of will-they-won’t-they courtship and women’s sports, a queer romance that will leave you breathless until the final buzzer.

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 they move past their rocky start in the press room, Felix 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.

“Whether or not you’re a sports fan, you’ll cheer on Felix and Natalie, two women figuring out what they want in life. Rooting Interest is smart, nuanced, and desperately sexy.” —Amy Spalding, bestselling author of For Her Consideration and On Her Terms

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Queer, Sports, LGBT, Lesbian, Contemporary

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

had the best time and I don’t even know anything about basketball

[hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

first of all go liberty 🗽

a very short and sweet wnba related romance! romance as a genre generally has not worked for me, but i knew i had to try again with this one. overall, i thought it was well done! i liked the writing and the dialogue, and thought there was a nice infusion of social commentary. i am curious how tried and true romance readers feel about the relationship given this is such a bite size look into it, but i personally liked the narrow view as someone who doesn’t typically enjoy romance.

i could not get over natalie having french braids as her signature style as a seemingly mid 30s player but maybe i just need to have more of an open mind.

probably closer to a 3.5

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first sapphic romance, and I’m genuinely glad this was the one I started with. I really enjoyed Felix and Nat’s story; and watching their character growth.

The WNBA backdrop was a great storyline. I appreciated how the book explored bias and stereotypes within the W and in sports in general. While I don’t fully agree with the idea that the WNBA is a “queer women’s sport,” I do agree that it is a women’s sport with a large and visible queer presence, both among players and fans.

At its heart, this story is about finding your own way and allowing yourself the space to grow. It is also about how doing that can quietly help others along the way.

Thank you NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute romance novella from 831, and the first fully queer romance instead of another bisexual woman dating a man lol. Looking at you Exit Lane and Comedic Timing.

I liked the realistic portrayal of two queer career-driven women in the world of professional sports. It actually had a lot of sports action in it unlike a lot of sports romances. But quite light on the spicy scenes if that's more your jam.

It was refreshing to read a queer romance that's not centered around one or both characters being closeted. Although we see Felix come int0 her own identity more fully from being inspired by the WNBA player, the plot is not complicated by a 'coming out' plot line.

Wraps up a liiiiiiitle too quickly and cleanly for my taste, but that's a hard task with a romance novella.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

[Ji-Won · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

started off the new year right by reading a cute romance

[Maria Viale · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Rooting Interest we follow Felix, a sports journalist that whose magnum opus is supposed to be writing about the NFL. She gets placed on a project to write about the WNBA, specifically to cover the return of a star player - Natalie.

Felix is an avid nfl fan, but doesn’t know the first thing about basketball - she suspects she got the job because she’s queer and it’s the WNBA. After covering a story on Natalie and her comeback after her season-ending injury, their chemistry drives them to hook up and their very “casual” fling becomes much more than what either of them expected.

This wasn’t the most thrilling or bingeable sports romance I’ve read, but I do think this story is really special. It’s a story about two lesbian women who are already out and proud, and their lives don’t revolve around their queerness. Their lives revolve around their careers, and how they show up for their community and for their passions, so this isn’t a queer story where the main conflict is coming out, and the struggle with self acceptance. It’s a story about two women who are incredibly driven and want to succeed, and have to find a way to do so while also allowing themselves the beauty of falling in love and committing to another human being.

It’s a big love story to sports while also acknowledging how slow the world of sports has been to make life easier for its queer players and community of fans. It’s realistic in its critiques, gives its flowers to the WNBA for setting the standard, and at the end of the day is a really sexy story between a journalist and her source (scandalous!!!!). Low key I fell in love with Natalie a lil bit :/ I like them emotionally unavailable.

[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!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Are you trapped in a Heated Rivalry loop? Do you enjoy a celebrity-normal person romance? Are you a women's basketball fan? If you answered yes to any of these, this romance novella is for you! Disabato pulls you into the world of the WNBA with a believable will they-won't they relationship. I enjoyed the peak behind the curtain of sports writing and the life of a professional athlete. This was the perfect read during my obsession with Heated Rivalry since it complements, not competes with, its vibes. I read every 831 Stories drop and this is my favorite since the first (Big Fan) which I'm not sure can be topped for me. I am an #831Ambassador and received this e-ARC in exchange for my review but my opinions are my own!

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, 831 Stories and Cat Disabato for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being only 224 pages this story is really well rounded and fully flushed out.

I enjoyed the relationship between Felix and Natalie and loved the friendships as well. I’m not very familiar with the WNBA but it seemed the author put care into representing it accurately.

LGBTQIA+ representation was clearly important for this author and seemed to be done authentically (it didn’t feel forced).

Overall, a quick and enjoyable read!

[nestle • whatnestleread · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

We're following a sports journalist assigned to cover a local WNBA team, despite not knowing much about basketball. What starts as a job slowly turns into a genuine interest in the league and in one of the players she’s profiling. I loved seeing the WNBA centered, even if the mix of real teams and real players briefly took me out at times.

I thought it struck a smooth balance between sports, romance, and character work without feeling too cluttered. The romance is a true slow build, shaped by Felix’s job and her evolving sense of self.

Felix, in particular, feels fully realized and grounded.

My main critique is that Natalie isn’t as fleshed out as Felix. For a shorter book it makes sense, but at times she feels thinner on the page by comparison.

Overall, this was such an easy book to fall into, another win for the 831 universe.

[julia jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

as always with 831 novellas, I ate this up. loved loved loved the wnba player & sports reporter love story. While I found myself irritated with Felix at times, I appreciated her direct communication & was proud of her in the end. I loved how bold Natalie was with Felix. While the “third act breakup” was annoying to watch Natalie get in her own way, I enjoyed the ending. I have yet to read the epilogue on the website I’m so excited! My biggest qualm was that it wasn’t longer—typical with 831 & is precisely the magic of it. Leaves you wanting more!

[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.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down! I read tall blonde female athlete and said ok I’m sat .

[Sara]

Delightful, wnba, short. (actually the players are tall. 😉)

[Grace Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and fun! My first sports romance and it was a basketball WLW...if only I had this in high school when I was playing the game myself. I feel like it was the perfect length and wasn't over the top. It was great to get me back in the reading mindset.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually a sports girl, but I am a fan of a fun and cute romance, which this certainly is.

[Olivia Koscik · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIVE ME MORE!! I want more of this story and more lesbian romance books in general!!

[Erica Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gay WNBA-themed romance where a player falls for a journalist?!? Obviously I read this in one night

[sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

on my way to buy tickets to the closest women's basketball game near me 😏🤚🏼

thank you to netgalley + 831 stories for an earc <3

[City Elf Reader (Ryan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How sweet! Loved this one

[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.

[patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have zero knowledge about basketball but i enjoyed felix & natalie's story

[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.

[nins · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love lesbians and i love a sport romance. put them together and i will love that too

[Ange · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sense no love of the game here

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE. will be forcing myself to like basketball from now on

[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.

[Maaike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a queer sports romance and I will be eating it up! I had such a good time reading this story. The sports journalist vs athlete was a really fun trope and I would loveee to read more of it. I really enjoyed how there was also a lot of focus on representation of women and queer people in the sports community. It’s such an important topic but it was done really naturally in this story and didn’t take away from the romantic plot at all.

I really enjoyed both Jennifer and Natalie as characters. They both had their flaws but that’s what made them feel real. They worked well together but also pushed each other to improve and not just settle.

Thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for this arc!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to have received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are sincere and my own.

Cat Disabato’s *Rooting Interest* is a sharp, engaging queer sports romance that begins with an NFL reporter being reassigned to WNBA All‑Star Weekend—despite having the basketball knowledge of someone who picks March Madness brackets based on team mascots. What starts as a corporate attempt at “authentic representation” quickly becomes a smart, funny exploration of identity, ambition, and the hazards of pretending you know what a dime is on live television. Disabato balances realistic insight with genuine emotional depth, crafting a story where professional missteps, unexpected chemistry, and one very compelling superstar collide in all the best ways.**

Jennifer Felix is a sports reporter for the *LA Chronicle*, best known for covering the fictional NFL team, the Los Angeles Cougars. Years of reporting on the Cougars have helped her slowly carve out space in a male‑dominated sector. Her resilience and genuine interest in the sport have earned her respect from players, staff, and fans alike.

Then—surprise!—her editor pulls her off NFL preseason coverage and reassigns her to WNBA All‑Star Weekend. Over the course of the event, Felix finds herself drawn to Natalie Czapski, a superstar looking to make a comeback after injury. Their snarky exchanges and banter spark immediately. Will Felix return to NFL reporting after her brief WNBA stint? And is Natalie leading her on, or actually flirting?

I was invested in the story by page two. As someone who grew up playing competitive sports and continued into my university career, I deeply related to Natalie’s injury arc. Currently, four months post‑ACL reconstruction, I’m painfully aware of the fear of re‑injury, battling against the ingrained urge to be competitive again. Most people only see the first month after surgery—when your knee is swollen, and you can’t walk independently. After that, things get lonely, and the main battle is in your head as you fight for the motivation to stay consistent with physical therapy.

That said, Natalie is undeniably emotionally unavailable and selfish at times, while Felix struggles to voice the emotions she *can* identify. As you can imagine, two driven women clashing like that makes a steady relationship difficult.

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and the workplace‑profiling subplot. At times, it felt like the main plot, but it always circled back to our emotionally flawed girlies. I also appreciated that Felix used her reporting to push back on misogyny—without magically fixing the world with one public airing of grievances, which is a trap some books fall into. There were a few passages that felt a bit “clunky,” but that may just be the way my brain reads rather than a critique of the writing itself.

All I know is that they were a mess, I was invested, and I’d absolutely read more of them trying to get it together (Which there is! Go read the epilogue at https://831stories.com/blogs/articles...)