"BEN AND BEATRIZ should be required reading. I want to scream at the entire world to pick up this book and read it! At times, I was shaking while reading because it made me feel so seen. Gamarra's novel is an incredible love story, yes, but beyond that it's also a deeply complex study on racism and privilege that goes so far beyond the surface. Its approach to mental health, consent, and sexual identity is brilliant and compassionate and so, so authentic. We should be studying this book. AAHHH!!!" — Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Dial A for Aunties

"Katalina Gamarra weaves together the wit, banter and joy Shakespeare fans will expect from a modern retelling and the exploration of the complex topics of race, sexuality, class and more all with sensitivity and amazing skill. A fantastic debut!" — Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author of Much Ado About You

“It was an absolute honour to read Ben and Beatriz, from the brilliant, unique new voice: Katalina Gamarra. This book tackles hefty themes with serious wit—truly a romance for our times. Engaging, thrilling and totally fresh. Bravo!” — Lizzy Dent, author of The Summer Job

“Gamarra uses [Ben and Beatriz’s] love story to explore race, colorism, sexuality, and privilege, crafting a romance between two people who are all too aware of their differences but still find a safe space in each other. Fans of the original sparring hearts love story will find this a worthy update on the classic.” — Publishers Weekly 

“This creative retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing explores contemporary issues like drug addiction, suicide, mental health, class divides, racism, and more, all while the love story progresses quickly. An opposites-attract romance grappling head-on with real-world issues while still offering indulgent escapism.” — Kirkus