You know that feeling when you're 25 and everyone else seems to have life—and love—completely figured out? That’s basically the heartbeat of All at Once Katherina B. It’s not just another romance novel. Honestly, it’s more like a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt like a "late bloomer."
Jasmine Baker is our girl. She's 25. Zero romantic experience. No first kiss. Nothing.
If that sounds like a nightmare, well, for Jasmine, it kinda is. But then she runs into her old college crush, Enrique Alonso. Suddenly, she’s invited to his family’s fancy resort in Marbella, Spain. It sounds like the perfect "summer of firsts" setup, right?
Wrong.
The Marbella Chaos in All at Once Katherina B
When Jasmine gets to Spain, things don't go exactly to plan. Enter Luca Rivera. He's Enrique’s best friend, and he is—in Jasmine's words—annoyingly charming. He’s also devastatingly hot, which makes him even more annoying because he knows exactly how to push every single one of her buttons.
The chemistry between Jasmine and Luca is what really drives the story. It's a classic slow burn. You've got the "stuck together" trope working overtime here. Because they're in this beautiful, sun-drenched resort, there’s nowhere to hide from the tension.
Why the Late Bloomer Trope Hits Different
Most romance books feature 19-year-olds who have already lived three lifetimes. Katherina B does something different. She validates the experience of the twenty-something who spent their time studying, working, or just being "too much of an overthinker" to date.
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- Jasmine Baker: Professional overthinker, 25, craving her first everything.
- Enrique Alonso: The "safe" college crush who kickstarts the journey.
- Luca Rivera: The unexpected surprise who challenges her boundaries.
This isn't just about kissing boys under the Spanish sun. The book dives into Jasmine’s complicated upbringing. It touches on childhood trauma and the pressure of coming from a strict immigrant household. That’s a layer you don’t always get in a "steamy rom-com." It feels grounded.
All at Once Katherina B: Real Talk on the Love Triangle
Let’s be real for a second. Love triangles can be hit or miss.
In All at Once Katherina B, the triangle is... interesting. Some readers on Goodreads actually mentioned they were scared of the trope but found it worked because the chemistry was so clearly lopsided. There’s almost zero romantic spark between Jasmine and Enrique once the reality of the vacation sets in. It turns more into a story of Jasmine realizing that what she thought she wanted (the safe crush) isn't what she actually needed.
The book is long. Like, 498 pages long.
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It takes its time. If you're looking for a "blink and you'll miss it" romance, this isn't it. The pacing is deliberate. It reflects Jasmine's own pace in life—slow, cautious, and a bit hesitant until it isn't.
The Taylor Swift Influence
If you're a Swiftie, you're going to notice things. Katherina B has filled this debut with nods to Taylor Swift. For some, it’s a fun "Easter egg" hunt. For others, it might feel a bit heavy-handed. But it adds to that New Adult, "nostalgic but current" vibe the author is clearly going for.
What People Are Saying on TikTok and Goodreads
Social media has a huge role in why this book is everywhere right now. It's a "BookTok" darling.
- Relatability: The "firsts at 25" hook is incredibly strong.
- The Setting: Marbella is described with enough detail to make you want to book a flight immediately.
- Communication: Unlike many romances that rely on "the big misunderstanding," Jasmine and Luca actually talk. Eventually.
It’s a debut novel, so the writing has those "first book" quirks. Some critics found the inner monologue a bit repetitive. But for the target audience—women in their twenties navigating their own "firsts"—those repetitive thoughts feel authentic. That's how overthinking actually works.
Is All at Once Katherina B Worth the Read?
If you like The Love Hypothesis or People We Meet on Vacation, you’ll probably vibe with this. It balances the "steamy" with the "heartfelt" pretty well.
The biggest takeaway isn't about the romance, though. It's about self-discovery. Jasmine has to learn to be "selfish" and chase her own dreams, not just the version of life she thought she was supposed to have.
Actionable Steps for Readers:
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- Check the Tropes: If you hate "forced proximity" or "slow burns," this might be a tough sell.
- Expect the Depth: Don't go in expecting just fluff; the immigrant household and trauma subplots are significant.
- Join the Community: Look up #AllAtOnce on TikTok to see the specific playlists and "mood boards" fans have created for the characters.
- Check the Edition: Since its release in early 2025, there are already a few different covers out there, so make sure you're getting the one you want for your shelf.
Ultimately, this book is a reminder that there is no "correct" timeline for your life. Whether you're 15 or 25 or 55, experiencing something "all at once" is always possible.