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Stop and Stare
Author's note: this novella is available as an exclusive free download on Katia Rose's website.
Sometimes love is in the last place you look.
Iz Sanchez has looked for love just about everywhere. Granted, life as a gender non-conforming jock at a small coastal university does not exactly present a wealth of opportunity, but that hasn’t stopped Iz from seizing the day.
So far their quest to find Miss Right has only resulted in heartbreak and way too many awkward run-ins with exes at the campus sports bar, but at the end of the day, Iz can always count on their friends, their glorious collection of designer sneakers, and their steadfast belief that love is out there somewhere to get them back in the game.
What they didn’t expect was to have their world turned upside down by a champagne-fueled New Year’s kiss with the girl who’s been their best friend since toddlerhood.
Marina Townsend has always known she and her best friend Iz were made to be more than friends. She’s spent years waiting for the right moment to come along and make Iz see it too.
That moment shows up at the stroke of midnight, but instead of pulling them together, the kiss only seems to push them apart. Now that a lifelong friendship is on the line, Iz can’t stop thinking about the times love has left them burned. They’ll need to figure their heart out—and soon—because Marina is done waiting for Iz to realize what she’s known all along:
Sometimes love comes looking for you.
Stop and Stare is a sapphic NB/F romance from Katia Rose that features a non-binary lead learning to let love in and a strong and sassy heroine ready to show them what that love is worth.
Sometimes love is in the last place you look.
Iz Sanchez has looked for love just about everywhere. Granted, life as a gender non-conforming jock at a small coastal university does not exactly present a wealth of opportunity, but that hasn’t stopped Iz from seizing the day.
So far their quest to find Miss Right has only resulted in heartbreak and way too many awkward run-ins with exes at the campus sports bar, but at the end of the day, Iz can always count on their friends, their glorious collection of designer sneakers, and their steadfast belief that love is out there somewhere to get them back in the game.
What they didn’t expect was to have their world turned upside down by a champagne-fueled New Year’s kiss with the girl who’s been their best friend since toddlerhood.
Marina Townsend has always known she and her best friend Iz were made to be more than friends. She’s spent years waiting for the right moment to come along and make Iz see it too.
That moment shows up at the stroke of midnight, but instead of pulling them together, the kiss only seems to push them apart. Now that a lifelong friendship is on the line, Iz can’t stop thinking about the times love has left them burned. They’ll need to figure their heart out—and soon—because Marina is done waiting for Iz to realize what she’s known all along:
Sometimes love comes looking for you.
Stop and Stare is a sapphic NB/F romance from Katia Rose that features a non-binary lead learning to let love in and a strong and sassy heroine ready to show them what that love is worth.
202 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2021
7 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Katia Rose
25 books991 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 59 reviews
June 7, 2021
I was writing my review of Catch and Cradle and browsing the author’s website where I found about this novella, starring Iz, Hope’s nonbinary housemate, and I just had to stop everything and read it. It’s set a few months after the first book but both stories can be read as standalone, though I recommend reading Catch and Cradle first.
Iz and Marina have been best friends since they were toddlers. Lately, they’ve both felt their relationship change, culminating in a sloppy drunken peck on the lips on New Year’s Eve. A month and a half later, Marina flies to Halifax to celebrate Iz’s twenty-first birthday. They haven’t mentioned the kiss since it happened and the resolutions they’ve taken in their time apart are radically different. Iz, who has been hurt before and is convinced they suck at love, is determined not to act on their feelings and wants to prove to Marina that they can be trusted not to mess up their beautiful friendship. Marina, on the other hand, feels not giving these new feelings a chance to bloom would be worse than risking said friendship.
Like in Catch and Cradle, the writing is snappy and the characters lovely. They’re so cute and genuine you can’t help rooting for them, even when they’re acting stupid. Again, I love the group of housemates and how supportive they are of one another.
The author faced two challenges on the chemistry front. First, she had to write the evolution from childhood friends to lovers in a plausible way. Iz and Marina literally have known each other their whole life. They always loved each other and now they’re in love with each other and it’s both sudden and not. Rose writes the change and the complicated feelings it brings in a very sensitive way.
The other challenge was the novella length and the fact that the story happens over a very short period of time. Stop and Stare isn’t the whole story, it’s the story of the few days when Marina and Iz go from friends to girlfriends, from children to adults too in a way. There was a risk that it would feel rushed or artificial but it doesn’t. Every look, every stuttering breath is hot and meaningful and a promise of more.
Also, the author seems to have a thing for pinning a girl’s hands above her head and I’m not complaining.
Iz and Marina have been best friends since they were toddlers. Lately, they’ve both felt their relationship change, culminating in a sloppy drunken peck on the lips on New Year’s Eve. A month and a half later, Marina flies to Halifax to celebrate Iz’s twenty-first birthday. They haven’t mentioned the kiss since it happened and the resolutions they’ve taken in their time apart are radically different. Iz, who has been hurt before and is convinced they suck at love, is determined not to act on their feelings and wants to prove to Marina that they can be trusted not to mess up their beautiful friendship. Marina, on the other hand, feels not giving these new feelings a chance to bloom would be worse than risking said friendship.
Like in Catch and Cradle, the writing is snappy and the characters lovely. They’re so cute and genuine you can’t help rooting for them, even when they’re acting stupid. Again, I love the group of housemates and how supportive they are of one another.
The author faced two challenges on the chemistry front. First, she had to write the evolution from childhood friends to lovers in a plausible way. Iz and Marina literally have known each other their whole life. They always loved each other and now they’re in love with each other and it’s both sudden and not. Rose writes the change and the complicated feelings it brings in a very sensitive way.
The other challenge was the novella length and the fact that the story happens over a very short period of time. Stop and Stare isn’t the whole story, it’s the story of the few days when Marina and Iz go from friends to girlfriends, from children to adults too in a way. There was a risk that it would feel rushed or artificial but it doesn’t. Every look, every stuttering breath is hot and meaningful and a promise of more.
Also, the author seems to have a thing for pinning a girl’s hands above her head and I’m not complaining.
June 23, 2021
Ms. Rose is a seasoned author of mainly m/f romance books. Her first f/f romance, Catch and Cradle is a very good new adult book. After reading it, I decided to get the novella Stop and Stare which is set in the same universe and is offered for free by joining Ms. Rose’s mailing list. This is another very good read and a chance to catch up with the characters of Catch and Cradle.
Iz Sánchez has been looking for love for a while now but as a non-binary person, it’s been hard to find someone special. Marina Townshend has been friends with Iz since they were toddlers and is convinced that Iz and she are meant to be more than best friends, but if only Marina could convince them…
This was an entertaining new adult novella featuring the best friends to lovers trope and with the rare portrayal of a non-binary person and a pansexual as main characters. Even though there’s an overall light tone in the story, as it reflects the lives of college students in their early 20s, it explores a few serious issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, body image, friendship and family bonds. Despite being a short read, the author manages to mix up the fun of college life, the angst of relationship conflicts and a bit of romance.
Both characters are likable and portrayed with authenticity in the struggles as new adults to find their way through life. Iz and Marina’s relationship is at the same time simple, complex, sweet and hot, if it makes sense. Those contradictions give depth to the story and make the reader cheer for them. I personally would have liked a longer development of the ending and a sex scene or two but, as it is, the story is enjoyable. 4 stars.
Iz Sánchez has been looking for love for a while now but as a non-binary person, it’s been hard to find someone special. Marina Townshend has been friends with Iz since they were toddlers and is convinced that Iz and she are meant to be more than best friends, but if only Marina could convince them…
This was an entertaining new adult novella featuring the best friends to lovers trope and with the rare portrayal of a non-binary person and a pansexual as main characters. Even though there’s an overall light tone in the story, as it reflects the lives of college students in their early 20s, it explores a few serious issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, body image, friendship and family bonds. Despite being a short read, the author manages to mix up the fun of college life, the angst of relationship conflicts and a bit of romance.
Both characters are likable and portrayed with authenticity in the struggles as new adults to find their way through life. Iz and Marina’s relationship is at the same time simple, complex, sweet and hot, if it makes sense. Those contradictions give depth to the story and make the reader cheer for them. I personally would have liked a longer development of the ending and a sex scene or two but, as it is, the story is enjoyable. 4 stars.
September 29, 2024
4 ★ Pure angst, you cannot beat it. I cried at 1am on a random Tuesday because of this book. It’s full of those tender, raw and real moments that you can just FEEL. I emphasised with Marina so much and I just knew how much she was hurting and God I wish I could’ve just given her a hug and told her it would all be fine. It really had me in my feels.
January 28, 2022
I came into this with a different state of mind compared to Catch and Cradle.
I'm still not fond of first person narrative (and will probably never be), but the change in narrator was easier to follow this time aroung. I attribute this to fact that Iz is non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them/theirs.
This is a novella that takes place over a long weekend. Ms Rose crafted a sweet story of two people who have been in love with each other for as long as they can remember, but kept apart by their own fears.
My main take away point from this story is how Marisa sees herself and more importantly, how much she values herself. I adored her self-talk/self-love!
I'm still not fond of first person narrative (and will probably never be), but the change in narrator was easier to follow this time aroung. I attribute this to fact that Iz is non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them/theirs.
This is a novella that takes place over a long weekend. Ms Rose crafted a sweet story of two people who have been in love with each other for as long as they can remember, but kept apart by their own fears.
My main take away point from this story is how Marisa sees herself and more importantly, how much she values herself. I adored her self-talk/self-love!
June 4, 2021
4.5 stars. This was exactly what I needed after reading Catch and Cradle, because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this incredible cast of characters (and I’m still not!). This time we follow Iz Sanchez (nonbinary, half-Colombian) and their best-friend-since-forever, Marina Townsend (pansexual, fat). It’s a god-tier friends-to-lovers with a truckload of heartache and yearning, so basically you can’t go wrong. Also, the chaotic roommates of the Babe Cave are at it again, giving us plenty of LOL moments. (I almost died laughing during the opening scene; I neeeeeed Paulina’s story now!)
January 24, 2023
I didn't come to this novella with any great expectations. Catch and Cradle was the first and only Katia Rose I've read and it was cute but definitely a book that needed an editor big time. But I liked the characters and the world Rose created in that novel, so it was nice to pick up a book with the same characters, this time focusing one of the side characters. Plus, it was free!
This is a BFFs-to-lovers romance, which is my favourite trope when it's done well, and I think Rose nails that aspect of it. There's longing and angst and fear of changing what is already great relationship. There is also great cast of supporting characters.
Rose is still in need of an editor, though. I literally cringed when I saw the "Marina and I's relationship" moments in this novel because that error was all over Catch and Cradle, and I just can't. But thankfully it only happened twice and I was able to move past it.
3.5 stars
This is a BFFs-to-lovers romance, which is my favourite trope when it's done well, and I think Rose nails that aspect of it. There's longing and angst and fear of changing what is already great relationship. There is also great cast of supporting characters.
Rose is still in need of an editor, though. I literally cringed when I saw the "Marina and I's relationship" moments in this novel because that error was all over Catch and Cradle, and I just can't. But thankfully it only happened twice and I was able to move past it.
3.5 stars
January 14, 2022
I just straight up did not enjoy this book at all. It “solved” the problem of insta-love by making the characters long time best friends, but the story begins with both of them aware that they’re in love with the other. There was no build up, no chemistry, and the romance fell flat.
I wanted to slam my head against a wall each time the author wrote “dummy dumb dumb” and then explained (and re-explained) the inside joke, as if the reader needed reminding that these characters are best friends with a long history.
And please, for the love of god, stop writing bilingual characters who only curse in their other language. It’s not cute and it’s not how bilingual people actually speak.
I wanted to slam my head against a wall each time the author wrote “dummy dumb dumb” and then explained (and re-explained) the inside joke, as if the reader needed reminding that these characters are best friends with a long history.
And please, for the love of god, stop writing bilingual characters who only curse in their other language. It’s not cute and it’s not how bilingual people actually speak.
Read
May 6, 2022
Stop and Stare is now LIVE! This queer novella is available as a FREE download on my website, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with everyone! Stop and Stare is a friends-to-lovers, New Adult rom-com with an NBLW pairing. Oh, and it contains a lot of mentions of pizza...
It's very personally important to me to have stories like this in the world (NBLW love stories that is; I'm not THAT passionate about pizza). Here's a bit of what I shared with my reader group when the book launched:
"Stop and Stare features a woman and a non-binary person who fall in love. That's a very normal thing in my life. It's a very wonderful, amazing, awesome, and beautiful thing in my life. It's also not a very normal thing to see in romance novels. I want more stories about women like me loving non-binary people and those people loving them back. I want to see those couples get to experience joy, pain, and triumph just like any other couple. I want it to be more normal for everyone. So I wrote this story, and I intend to write and read many more like it. I hope you'll give it a shot too."
I can't wait to share Marina and Iz's love story with everyone! Head over to www.katiarose.com to grab your free copy!
November 8, 2021
Love the non-binary rep, very rare to see in romance books done in a casual way (aka the plot didn't entirely revolve around them being nb). I also appreciated the body representation and how well the author handles ideas around body image, consent, communication, etc. It's all seamlessly integrated and not performative (as it should be in real life).
Cute, quick read - highly recommend!
Also I share a name with one of the main characters and that's a rare experience for me so I was excited about that :)
Cute, quick read - highly recommend!
Also I share a name with one of the main characters and that's a rare experience for me so I was excited about that :)
July 10, 2021
sigh
content/trigger warnings; ableism, mentions of nonbinary-phobia, arophobic language, alcohol, kissing,
rep; iz (mc) is colombian, nonbinary, and attracted to women (only mentions attraction to women, but a label isn't used). marina (mc) is fat and pansexual. hope (sc) is bisexual. becca (sc) is a lesbian.
i was enjoying this in the beginning and thought it was going to be a cute, silly romance. but. it doesn't work for me. for a few reasons. it's "friend to lovers" where they're not only in love when the book starts, but have "been in love the whole time", which to me isn't "friends to lovers", it's mutual pining. i need a development from platonic to feelings to romantic feelings to actually believe it's "friends to lovers".
then the book ends when they get together, which is especially frustrating because of the sheer amount of denial and jadedness and lack of communication (which is caused by one character being so far in their head that they don't even realize how awful they're being to other) that kept them apart for the entirety of the book.
a minor thing that annoyed me was the constant "i'm not in love with my best friend...that's just what best friends do/feel...okay no that's super gay" because no, friends can actually hold hands create handmade presents for each other without secretly being in love. you don't have to assign inherent romance or gayness to random things that are not inherent indicators of romance/gayness to prove that the character is in love.
the one thing i like is how marina chose herself. she removed herself from a relationship that she was not getting what she needed out of it. i just wish it hadn't lasted for all of half a chapter.
anyways this isn't bad or anything! it's just not for me.
content/trigger warnings; ableism, mentions of nonbinary-phobia, arophobic language, alcohol, kissing,
rep; iz (mc) is colombian, nonbinary, and attracted to women (only mentions attraction to women, but a label isn't used). marina (mc) is fat and pansexual. hope (sc) is bisexual. becca (sc) is a lesbian.
i was enjoying this in the beginning and thought it was going to be a cute, silly romance. but. it doesn't work for me. for a few reasons. it's "friend to lovers" where they're not only in love when the book starts, but have "been in love the whole time", which to me isn't "friends to lovers", it's mutual pining. i need a development from platonic to feelings to romantic feelings to actually believe it's "friends to lovers".
then the book ends when they get together, which is especially frustrating because of the sheer amount of denial and jadedness and lack of communication (which is caused by one character being so far in their head that they don't even realize how awful they're being to other) that kept them apart for the entirety of the book.
a minor thing that annoyed me was the constant "i'm not in love with my best friend...that's just what best friends do/feel...okay no that's super gay" because no, friends can actually hold hands create handmade presents for each other without secretly being in love. you don't have to assign inherent romance or gayness to random things that are not inherent indicators of romance/gayness to prove that the character is in love.
the one thing i like is how marina chose herself. she removed herself from a relationship that she was not getting what she needed out of it. i just wish it hadn't lasted for all of half a chapter.
anyways this isn't bad or anything! it's just not for me.
January 30, 2022
Schönes kleines Spin-Off zu Catch and Cradle, das sich mit dem non-binary Charakter aus der Geschichte befasst. Ähnlich süß geschrieben wie Catch and Cradle und es war schön, auch Iz's Liebesgeschichte mitzuverfolgen. Marina ist so cute! Und es gab epische Becca x Hope-Momente, die ich sehr gefeiert habe
February 12, 2024
2/11/24
Rep: Colombian, queer, non-binary main character; plus-sized pansexual main character; sapphic side characters/side couple
This novella can stand on its own, but Catch and Cradle is excellent and introduces you to all of the characters a bit more.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected to? I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s because I had such high expectations going into it; before I started really reading Katia Rose’s books I had heard of Stop and Stare because a non-binary main character in a new adult romance story was groundbreaking. This review encapsulates most of my feelings perfectly: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I also haven’t seen many people critiquing the use of Spanish in this book. It’s not great. I cringed every time.
The book also doesn’t seem like as much time was spent in editing as it should have been? There’s a line about a character being on the couch, on the next page there’s mention of her bedsheets, and then on the next page it’s the couch again? And a childhood saying is explained multiple times. Like, I get it. They made it up during childhood.
At times like this, you can tell the novella is free lol
Overall, while I feel like this has been a relatively negative review, it’s still a good time and I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Katia Rose’s writing is as easy to read as ever. Marina and Hope’s friendship is my new favorite thing.
Rep: Colombian, queer, non-binary main character; plus-sized pansexual main character; sapphic side characters/side couple
This novella can stand on its own, but Catch and Cradle is excellent and introduces you to all of the characters a bit more.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected to? I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s because I had such high expectations going into it; before I started really reading Katia Rose’s books I had heard of Stop and Stare because a non-binary main character in a new adult romance story was groundbreaking. This review encapsulates most of my feelings perfectly: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I also haven’t seen many people critiquing the use of Spanish in this book. It’s not great. I cringed every time.
The book also doesn’t seem like as much time was spent in editing as it should have been? There’s a line about a character being on the couch, on the next page there’s mention of her bedsheets, and then on the next page it’s the couch again? And a childhood saying is explained multiple times. Like, I get it. They made it up during childhood.
At times like this, you can tell the novella is free lol
Overall, while I feel like this has been a relatively negative review, it’s still a good time and I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Katia Rose’s writing is as easy to read as ever. Marina and Hope’s friendship is my new favorite thing.
April 19, 2022
A decent novella that I got for free by subscribing to the author's mailing list. While it was not groundbreaking, it was a quick read that I was able to finish in the time it takes to watch a movie.
I did find that there were some romantic cringe moments where it bordered on overly sappy, luckily the author seemed to realize this and even poked fun at it. I appreciated that the characters had more depth for a novella and that Rose actually acknowledged that the "curvy" girl may have insecurities for growing up a different size than her peers. It is a perspective I find is often glossed over.
The big downside was Iz's chapters. I found their chapters did not have a lot of movement until the story reached a certain plot point. It felt a little too repetitive for me with not enough padding to prepare me for their abrupt change in perspective. I think if we had fewer Iz chapters before that point and potentially more after I would have enjoyed reading their perspective more.
If you're looking for a light read you can finish in an afternoon that feels very rom-com (but add a some boundaries and make it sapphic) this might be a good fit for you.
I did find that there were some romantic cringe moments where it bordered on overly sappy, luckily the author seemed to realize this and even poked fun at it. I appreciated that the characters had more depth for a novella and that Rose actually acknowledged that the "curvy" girl may have insecurities for growing up a different size than her peers. It is a perspective I find is often glossed over.
The big downside was Iz's chapters. I found their chapters did not have a lot of movement until the story reached a certain plot point. It felt a little too repetitive for me with not enough padding to prepare me for their abrupt change in perspective. I think if we had fewer Iz chapters before that point and potentially more after I would have enjoyed reading their perspective more.
If you're looking for a light read you can finish in an afternoon that feels very rom-com (but add a some boundaries and make it sapphic) this might be a good fit for you.
April 27, 2022
I don't why I am so surprised I had a great time with this one.
I got this on a whim because I am always here for romantic nonbinary leads and fell in love with the writing style immediately. I will definitely check out more by Katia Rose.
It's a novella about two friends who mean a lot to each other but are suddenly feeling awkward when an unplanned midnight kiss brought some romantic feelings forward. This had a great balance of showing the friendships between the roommates, the awkward transition period when you might want to be romantically involved and a college party that was normal and not overdramatized.
I also can't believe that I did not mind but it was telegraphed early on and, most importantly, fit the couple.
I found the fat rep to be well done but the bilingual rep a little out of place.
I got this on a whim because I am always here for romantic nonbinary leads and fell in love with the writing style immediately. I will definitely check out more by Katia Rose.
It's a novella about two friends who mean a lot to each other but are suddenly feeling awkward when an unplanned midnight kiss brought some romantic feelings forward. This had a great balance of showing the friendships between the roommates, the awkward transition period when you might want to be romantically involved and a college party that was normal and not overdramatized.
I also can't believe that I did not mind but it was telegraphed early on and, most importantly, fit the couple.
I found the fat rep to be well done but the bilingual rep a little out of place.
November 9, 2023
This story was okay. Not bad but felt more like I was just around friends and their lives. Which is fine but I like books to use as an escape. Still, I like Katia’s writing so I’m going to keep reading their books.
A random side note but I wish their e-books would show as read and give the option to review on Goodreads once the main story is over. So, before making you read sneak peaks, bios, etc. Kindle doesn’t mark the book as read unless it has that pop up or I go to the very end. I don’t enjoy having to re-read sneak peaks from books I’ve already read or count to a number over and over and tap my page so Kindle thinks I read it. It frustrates me a lot that it’s not formatted like other e-books and I have to go through 30+ pages of extras when I don’t want to.
A random side note but I wish their e-books would show as read and give the option to review on Goodreads once the main story is over. So, before making you read sneak peaks, bios, etc. Kindle doesn’t mark the book as read unless it has that pop up or I go to the very end. I don’t enjoy having to re-read sneak peaks from books I’ve already read or count to a number over and over and tap my page so Kindle thinks I read it. It frustrates me a lot that it’s not formatted like other e-books and I have to go through 30+ pages of extras when I don’t want to.
December 1, 2025
After reading Catch and Cradle a while back, I recently found out about this novella. I read this all in one sitting (no, literally I didn’t get up even once while reading this) and I think that is a good indicator of how much I enjoyed this.
Thank you thank you thank you for some solid nonbinary representation! As a nonbinary lesbian it is very hard to find romance that is geared towards people like me, so it is very much appreciated. Extra bonus points for the love interest being a beautiful plus sized woman, as someone with a beautiful plus sized fiancée.
Thank you thank you thank you for some solid nonbinary representation! As a nonbinary lesbian it is very hard to find romance that is geared towards people like me, so it is very much appreciated. Extra bonus points for the love interest being a beautiful plus sized woman, as someone with a beautiful plus sized fiancée.
September 27, 2021
This was a quick and sweet read, and very much exactly what I needed after a whole ton of fantasy. I found this incredibly relatable to my own situation with my own best friend (except there's no happy ending yet - yikes). Also I really needed a cute nb/f pairing, it felt so good to see myself represented as someone who only recently actually accepted that part of themself. I look forward to reading more of Katia Rose's works!
October 2, 2021
Super cute story and excellent characters.
February 9, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I love these characters, their development, and the representation but their unique voices were missing for me. I struggled to remember who’s POV I was reading because they felt the same.
I love these characters, their development, and the representation but their unique voices were missing for me. I struggled to remember who’s POV I was reading because they felt the same.
April 14, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ “i want you to be sure of what this means to me and how serious i am. i don’t want you to have to doubt. it’s new and exciting and still kind of scary, but it’s what i want”
June 25, 2021
Just finished Catch & Cradle and loved it. This is a spin-off novella and pretty solid. It didn’t wrap it all in a pretty bow like I tend to like but it’s implied.
I do love how the author is very respectful to individuals who identify as non binary.
I do love how the author is very respectful to individuals who identify as non binary.
January 30, 2023
J’ai bien aimé ! C’est un classique friends to lovers avec une touche queer !
June 19, 2021
A fun follow-up to Catch and Cradle. This story follows Iz and her best friend Marina. It is short and very cute! Definitely worth the read. It can be read by joining the authors newsletter
March 7, 2023
Not good not good not good
December 19, 2021
I love to read books with genderqueer/genderfluid/nonbinary main characters. I also love friends-to-lovers romance. This book met both those requirements.
I really enjoyed both these characters, but I think I have a soft spot for Iz. They have some issues and insecurities that just connected me with them. Marina's more certain in what she wants, she's just not sure if she can have it or how to get it. I really enjoyed the interactions between them, though I do wish the two spent more time together. That's just a personal preference though. I always love cute, domestic, chill scenes with characters that I enjoy.
I thought the relationship developed very nicely. It forced both characters to figure out what their issues with or what they could choose to deal with. It's a novella so it's not long. It still takes a while for them to get together, and I'm torn about how I feel about that. I like a decent amount of angst and yearning, but I also just love a sweet romance. I wasn't sure how I wanted the story to play out. It was good though. A little longer on the angst than I would have preferred, but not an annoying amount.
This is a cute, short novella if you're just looking for a nice friends-to-lovers story. It has good characters with relatable interactions. It's cute, but also has some angst.
I really enjoyed both these characters, but I think I have a soft spot for Iz. They have some issues and insecurities that just connected me with them. Marina's more certain in what she wants, she's just not sure if she can have it or how to get it. I really enjoyed the interactions between them, though I do wish the two spent more time together. That's just a personal preference though. I always love cute, domestic, chill scenes with characters that I enjoy.
I thought the relationship developed very nicely. It forced both characters to figure out what their issues with or what they could choose to deal with. It's a novella so it's not long. It still takes a while for them to get together, and I'm torn about how I feel about that. I like a decent amount of angst and yearning, but I also just love a sweet romance. I wasn't sure how I wanted the story to play out. It was good though. A little longer on the angst than I would have preferred, but not an annoying amount.
This is a cute, short novella if you're just looking for a nice friends-to-lovers story. It has good characters with relatable interactions. It's cute, but also has some angst.
June 7, 2021
I remember that my first thought after meeting Iz in 'Catch and Cradle' was "Iz's story when?" and I'm incredibly happy that they got their own story with their own happy ending that they deserve. Marina was such a beautiful character, dealing with her insecurities, learning to know her worth. I love how Hope and Becca became her support system in all this and I loved seeing the two of them together after reading their story. The fact that they could help Marina out by making comparisons to their own story. Iz realizing what they could be missing out on if they didn't go and get the girl... ugh, this was so good and heartbreaking and I loved every second of this story. Both Marina and Iz are absolutely amazing characters and you can't help but love them. Individually and as a couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
This book follows in the same universe as Catch and Cradle. It follows Iz, who is non-binary, and her childhood best friend Marina. It takes place in Canada. It is a novella of a person being confident in who they are and finding love. I loved how the aithor was able to combone the experience of college students on a lax team, who all support each other. While aticking up for Iz, in making sure everyone used their correct pronouns. Marina, was supportive of Iz during everything.
The book kinda follows Iz on their journey of falling in love with their best friend.
I really enjoyed this book
The book kinda follows Iz on their journey of falling in love with their best friend.
I really enjoyed this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
Well this was one of the best things to read during the month of love, gotta admit. This little novela was so so adorable! Though, I have to warn you both Iz and Marina are a little bit stupid when it comes to making decision and you will probably be annoyed.... BUT THE LOVE IS WORTH IT BECAUSE THEY'RE ARE SO CUTE!
I loved Iz ever since I've read Catch and Cradle. And I was so happy to be able to read their novella, especially since I haven't got a chance to read many books with non-binary MCs. Marina eas new to me, but I loved her!
This was a quick and fun read. I highly recommend you to check out Catch and Cradle and then this novella.
I loved Iz ever since I've read Catch and Cradle. And I was so happy to be able to read their novella, especially since I haven't got a chance to read many books with non-binary MCs. Marina eas new to me, but I loved her!
This was a quick and fun read. I highly recommend you to check out Catch and Cradle and then this novella.
October 10, 2021
This made my enby heart swoon. A novella with a nonbinary college lacrosse player and their childhood best friend heroine falling in love and opening that door of a relationship. This was short, sweet, a bit cheesy and wholesome with the innocence the two leads have. There's a grand gesture, Audrey Hepburn vibes, roommate shenanigans, and some very adorable cross stitching.
This is a novella after Catch and Cradle, a wlw college sports romance featuring one of the roommates and their romance. Definitely would have loved a full length book with Iz and Marina, but i'll take what I can get.
This is a novella after Catch and Cradle, a wlw college sports romance featuring one of the roommates and their romance. Definitely would have loved a full length book with Iz and Marina, but i'll take what I can get.
December 5, 2021
Alright, first, I received a copy of Stop and Stare through Voracious Readers Only for an unbiased review. I. Freaking. LOVED this book! Seriously, it was a quick read and really my first foray into any queer literature. I am openly Bi myself but have never read anything from that POV. Katia has such a witty humor and smooth writing style! Reading this book was effortless. It made me laugh. It made me say "yep, been there". I loved Every. Single. Thing about this book. Can't wait to read more from her! READ IT!!
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