To The Moon and Back: A Sapphic '60s Romance

by Eve Noble

Two brilliant minds. One impossible equation.

Gloria Johnson can calculate lunar trajectories in her sleep, but as a Black woman at NASA in 1969, she's stuck typing other people's equations. Then she gets paired with Dr. Katrina Ivanova—the mysterious Russian defector who challenges every equation she thought she'd mastered.

Katrina Ivanova fled the Soviet Union for scientific freedom, only to find herself trapped by American bureaucracy. Her mother is still in Moscow, and the security chief holding her visa hostage wants one intel on Gloria's family and their civil rights activities.

Professional competition turns personal fast. Gloria introduces Katrina to Star Trek. Katrina makes Gloria traditional Russian tea. Soon, their rivalry becomes something much more attraction.

Katrina looks at Gloria like the solution to the most beautiful equation in the universe. Gloria's breath catches every time she hears Katrina's husky, accented voice. They move around each other like two celestial bodies in orbit—and it's going to destroy them both.

Their breakthrough mathematics will help Apollo 11 reach the moon. But first, they need to figure out if love can survive the ultimate betrayal.

Rivals-to-lovers with actual stakes. Slow burn that ignites. A romance where the happy ending costs everything.

For readers who devoured Red, White & Royal Blue, Hidden Figures, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice 3/5

Genres: Lesbian, Historical, Romance, LGBT, Queer

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'A writer might one time decide to write about abnormality -- base on secret everything, just don't take it too serious..'

Okay read!
.......... relationship chemistry is questionable.....chemistry, chemistry, chemistry needs to inspire readers..

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two powerhouse women who did not allow the time period to define, change, or break them. The dual POVs gave insight into how torn Katrina was and how heavily her decisions weighed on her. Gloria’s POV was difficult to read because the racism and discrimination she endured was heartbreaking. Katrina was a no-nonsense person who didn’t have the warmest personality, but she had a soft spot for Gloria. Opposite to that was Gloria, who was caring, helpful, and had a big heart for almost everyone, especially Katrina. I loved the chemistry and the Russian terms of endearment were just adorable. I only wished that the rivalry had been heightened or lasted longer. Overall, it made me think of a queer version of Hidden Figures, so it was amazing and I recommend it.


“Two people caring about each other? That’s not wrong. That’s just love in a world that’s too small-minded to understand it.” 

“Love doesn’t stop being love just because the world won’t let you show it.”

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I still can’t believe the improbability of this,” Katrina said, and Gloria heard wonder in her voice. “A woman loving another woman. A Russian, here in Virginia.” She looked up at Gloria with amazement written clearly across her face. “What are the odds that this is where I would find my love?”

3.5 stars. Really really cute historical romance centred around women in STEM, the space race, and social justice. My feelings about it are a bit mixed, mostly because of the pacing and how the third act played out. It felt pretty wonky, and it times it didn't feel like I was reading a romance. I definitely appreciated that the author approached these topics with gravity, because to do otherwise wouldn't have done the book justice either. It's just that I liked my romance books to feel a liiiiittle bit more balanced, especially when it comes to the time the couple spends together, rather than apart.

But make no mistake; I still REALLY enjoyed this. It's 1969, and Gloria and Katrina are both women working for NASA in very different positions. Gloria is black, and while she's intelligent and more than capable of the complicated work that her bosses are doing, developing ways to put mankind on the moon, she's relegated to being their secretary. Katrina is a Russian defector, and while she's been accepted into the country and into NASA, she's still treated with distrust and suspicion. They end up having to work together on a project, and the initial friction between them turns into friendship, a seamless cooperative spirit, and attraction. But Katrina's bosses are holding her mother's visa application over her head. In order to get it approved, they want her to spy on Gloria and her family's involvement with the Black Panthers.

“Love doesn’t stop being love just because the world won’t let you show it. Love is what you feel, not what you’re allowed to say.”

This was one of those cases where I just... loved seeing these two character interact. I don't care about math, and a lot of what they said went over my head, but I still really appreciated it. For one, it seemed super well-researched, and for another, it made their interactions feel more fulsome and charged. There's something very sweet and satisfying about seeing two really intelligent women pick each other's brains, urge each other on. And I loved how their enthusiasm for math and science and the stars translated into a love of science fiction. At least for Gloria, which she then transferred to Katrina. Bonding over Star Trek was SO CUTE. The romance itself gave me so many butterflies. They took care of each other in so many ways, and I especially loved seeing Katrina get really protective and a little possessive about Gloria. I equally loved seeing Gloria take Katrina into her family and community. The setting was done painfully well; there's a lot of misogyny and racism and xenophobia (to a lesser degree) that they have to endure, and though the relationship couldn't fix any of those things, the author showed them moving through it and developing in a meaningful and impactful way.

But like I said, the pacing is where this kinda falls down. I'll try to talk about it with no spoilers. IMO, it moves just a little too fast, and they fall for each other way too quickly. Bringing up the L word at 25% just takes the wind out of my sails. I didn't really mind it that much, because I was loving all of the romantic moments. But having certain things happen so early just reminded me that there was probably going to be a dramatic third act. And of course, knowing the premise of the book, you know what it is. The third act conflict happened earlier than I expected. In another book, that might have been a good thing? Having it happen earlier, so that the characters have more time to work through it. But in this case, I felt like things really dragged in the latter half, and sometimes it truly didn't feel like either of them wanted to make the relationship work. Gloria was understandably and rightfully mad, and I absolutely don't begrudge her that, but... IDK. I don't know what to say other than 'I wish it had been written a little differently.'

But the end still managed to bring me around, and I definitely liked this more than enough to quash all my my nit-picks with it. There were several little errors with formatting, some typos here and there, but those were easy to ignore. I can't get over how sweet and romantic it was; how sexy and heartfelt and affirming it felt. I loved where they ended up as people how their relationship and understanding of each other progressed. Gloria and Katrina were really lovely, and I'm so glad I gave this a try. Sapphic historical is my favourite genre of romance! And I haven't read many that take place in the 60s, so this was a nice change of pace. The author has more books planned in the series, and I can't wait to read them also.

“What are you writing?”
“The equation for orbital resonance,” Katrina said, her finger tracing delicate patterns across Gloria’s ribs. “The mathematics that describes how celestial bodies find their proper distance from each other and maintain it across time.”

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

(rounded up from 3.5)

This was a decently enjoyable romance book. The characterisation of Katrina feels very shallow because her thought processes and voice feel very much generic American with a Russian accent and some Russian phrases thrown in. A fun and quick, plot-heavy book with a sweet romance and some reminders about segregation being the worst.

[Koreena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books of the year and I came across it randomly. The writing, the characters, and the plot were 10/10 I can’t recommend this book enough. I hope this book gets the love it deserves!

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I knew I was going to love this story. NASA? Sapphics? Historical romance? Fighting for civil rights? Sign me up!!

This was such a beautiful love story. The way Eve Noble is able to write about the intricacies of sexism, race, and sexuality during the Cold War. She was able to show the reader the similiarities and differences between being Black in America vs being Russian in America in 1969. It was genius in my opinion.

I love that the Black Panther Party was a part of the story. It’s unfortunate that we as Americans (more so white Americans) have gotten an inaccurate depiction of the Black Panthers. It’s crazy to me how much hate was (and still is) in the world. I was glad that the author didn’t shy away from the truth, no matter how ugly it was.

I loved Marcus and Gloria’s relationship. I don’t want to spoil too much, but it was really heartwarming to see how they both accepted each other.

I loved the glimpses of Russia that we got to see through Katrina with her tea and cooking. It was wholesome to see how culture meant so much to both the MCs.

I was wondering how the author would be able to reconcile such a betrayal on Katrina’s part and be realistic. But Eve Noble did not disappoint. Gloria’s reaction was real and raw and the following months after the betrayal depicted two women devastated by Katrina’s actions. There is a lot of grey areas in life, especially when it comes to decisions. This was evident in the reasonings behind Katrina’s actions.

I love that we get to see 20 years into the future in the epilogue. I would’ve liked to see how Gloria’s mom and family treated Katrina after and if Gloria ever came out to her family. To The Moon and Back is a definite read for anyone who is wanting a beautiful love story with more than just romance.

[Angel Beckford · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 3 star rating. Wouldn’t want to dissuade anyone from giving the book a read because it’s actually a great storyline which plays off very real systemic problems in our history. Both Katrina-a female Soviet defector with a mother to save, and Gloria- a Black woman in the US fighting for freedom and recognition, have their fair share of individual hurdles. They undoubtedly do their best work together but what happens when one is made to spy on the other while simultaneously falling in love? Trouble with a capital T.

Knowing where this love story would fall apart for the MC- when secrets were brought to light-was no surprise. I felt strongly that the downfall for Katrina would have to feel harsh for the story to come around full circle and I think the author did this especially well. When the time was right, I wanted her to have the forgiveness she deserved but never wanted it to come too early or quickly without putting in the work. Definitely a highlight for me.

I had issues with the length of the book (could’ve been about 50-80 pages shorter I reckon with the same impact and less repetition in chapters). The continuity problems like stating the weather in one city while actually the character was in the other city. The bail money was flipping back and forth between 10k and 25k. There are some grammar issues along the way too. These little things always mess up reading flow-wanting to go back pages and re-read to correct your own thinking.

I wouldn’t read this for the spice. It’s not written in great detail. It all adds to the love story but they certainly aren’t focal points or highlight moments. This was a true meeting of the minds where they find a home within a like-minded individual in a world that applies pressures from every angle imaginable.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I liked this, but it also stressed me out. The first half was stronger than the second half, but it ended on a good note. I like that their professional connection and work was just as important as the romantic relationship.

[Brittany Steminist Booknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEM FMC: PhD mathematician, STEM FMC: mathematician with minor in physics.
This book had so much packed into the plot, it was incredible. I can guarantee that you’re aware of all of the things happening in this era separately, but this book brought it all together in a way that was so powerful: segregation and how taboo interracial dating was, the space race and the Cold War between the US and Russia, being gay and working for the government, the Black Panthers and government surveillance on citizens, and of course we can’t forget how women’s work (especially black women) was claimed by white dudes while the women were dismissed or kept from the places where decisions were made and forward progress was discussed. I’m certain you’ve heard or seen plenty of examples of each of those points individually in the 60’s, but imagine all of that rolled into one single love story. You’re going to cry because it’s horrendous, and if I’m being honest, I don’t know that there would have been a path to an HEA in real life, but thank god for romance novels. If you liked Hidden Figures, this book very much starts and ends similarly… you’ve just got the added twist of a sapphic romance in the middle.
The pacing felt a bit off in the first half of the book, but it makes a little more sense when you realize how much is covered in the second half. The book needed a final round of editing. There’s inconsistencies about locations, timelines, and monetary amounts, and there’s grammatical errors all throughout the book. It’s a bit distracting. For a while, I couldn’t figure out if the book was supposed to be set in Virginia or Houston since both were mentioned, and you have a couple chapters timelines mixed up I think towards the end. I kept flipping around to be sure I didn’t missed anything. Aside from that, the plot and character development was really beautiful, and there is some spice but it isn’t heavy.

[Melissa Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To The Moon and Back

The Sapphic 1960s, when space exploration and NASA were prime American objectives, Gloria Johnson, a colored woman, meets a critically objective Russian woman named Katrina Ivanova. Katrina tells the NASA crew that she is now an American, no longer a Russian citizen. Both women have mathematical minds, and though they have a secret relationship, they have been assigned to work together at NASA. Working with Gloria was a demotion as Katrina lost part of her security clearance. Gloria and Dr. Katrina shares tea, and then Gloria takes the bus home. They wisely keep their female relationship a secret. Security Chief Miller, who sounds racist is wanting Katrina to avoid Gloria's "people." Miller knows that Katrina Ivanova is worried about the KGB taking her mother away and wants to bring her mother to safety in America. Miller is threatening to turn Katrina into immigration if she doesn't do as he says and avoid colored women like Gloria Johnson. Marcus tells Gloria to be careful. 

Katrina reports that Gloria is fine and starts to offer Gloria rides back and forth to work so she doesn't have to use public transportation. They separate Dr. Katrina from Gloria by giving Katrina an assignment at the Pentagon. Since Gloria doesn't have a doctorate degree, she will not be included, and even hospitals are segregated during the 60s. Will their math calculations be accurate enough to land a rocket ship on the moon? Will Gloria and Katrina's interracial FF relationship endure segregation of the 1960s? 

[Megzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 rounded up)

This was a solid, emotionally resonant read with a convincing romance at its core — even if the love story unfolded a bit too quickly for my taste. That said, the chemistry between the leads was undeniable and intense, the kind that makes you root for them despite everything stacked against them.

I always enjoy reading about strong, intelligent women, and this book delivered on that front. Both leads had such a sharpness and inner fire that felt refreshing, though I do wish there had been a bit more character development to deepen the emotional payoff.

The writing itself was immersive — I could see myself at that family barbecue, chatting with Gloria’s mama, eating good food, surrounded by laughter and kids running around. And as a sucker for NASA/math themes, I definitely nerded out on those parts.

That said, this was not an easy book to read. The depiction of segregation was harrowing and deeply sad, and Katrina’s situation felt impossible at times. It wasn’t exactly a “feel-good” story, but it was important, relevant, and historically compelling. Stories like this matter — they show love and resilience in the face of cruelty and injustice.

I do think it needed stronger editing. The narration was often repetitive, with a few typos sprinkled in, and it could have been trimmed down by a good 50 pages. The ending leaned a bit corny, too.

Overall, though, this was a very strong read. It did feel like a debut — emotional, promising, but a bit overeager and long-winded.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

To The Moon and Back is a richly told historical romance that pulled me in right away. The story tackles racism, xenophobia, and homophobia with sensitivity while still hitting hard where it counts. The characters’ emotions run so deep and true that I caught myself savoring every moment on the page.
The love story that unfolds between Katrina and Gloria is intensely passionate. Their mutual respect as mathematicians lays the foundation for a tentative friendship that soon blossoms into something deeper. While both face external pressures, it’s their inner battle, especially Katrina’s, that gives the story its emotional weight. The strain she’s under, mixed with her fears, leads her to make some questionable decisions. Still, the strength of their connection and their undeniable chemistry make them an unforgettable couple.
I thoroughly enjoyed To the Moon and Back. The story is engaging, the main and supporting characters are wonderfully developed, and the challenges they face feel real. On top of that, the romance is genuinely beautiful. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastic read!

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 sentence synopsis: After defecting from Russia, Dr. Katrina Ivanova is paired with the brilliant mathematician stuck working as a secretary, Grace Johnson, to calculate fuel saving efficiencies for NASA's moon landing program. With math as their love language, Grace and Katrina quickly fall in love but are torn apart when Katrina is asked to spy on Grace's Black Panther family members. Katrina tries to make amends by paying penance and getting involved in teaching the Black community mathematics to help them in life while Grace attempts to move beyond her righteous anger and forgive her love.

What a fantastic debut! To the Moon and Back is a sapphic HR between two women mathematicians working at NASA in 1969. Grace is restricted to being a secretary because she is Black and Katrina is walking the tricky tightrope of being a Russian defector. This book is chock full of politics, pop culture (Star Trek references abound!), and social commentary. While the romance is a bit too fast burn for my taste, the storyline, setting, and science kept me engaged. I did notice a few continuity errors, but loved the writing style. A solid 4 star debut.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

​To The Moon and Back: A Sapphic '60s Romance offers a compelling blend of an exciting historical backdrop and an intimate, forbidden love story. It's a great choice if you enjoy romances that feature smart, driven women in a challenging historical era, with a focus on secrecy, career stakes, and a heartfelt emotional connection. I was hooked from the first equation, which I hated all my math classes in college. But this story was unforgettable, not only is the author amazing in creating such a vivid recollection of a time in history where race, gender and gender roles weren't equal. She managed to give you a front row seat to how deeply divided the country felt but still with all of this said, people and communities had a shared hope of what the future could bring. Plus the love story...lasso the moon!

[Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for something also featuring sapphic women in science after reading Atmosphere (and as a scientist myself), and as a fan of Hidden Figures as well, this book caught my eye. The concept of this book and the intention behind it is good. It is generally a pleasant enough read.

However, the pace of their relationship moved a bit too fast for my liking and it didn't quite have as much depth as I would've liked. I think a more substantial B plot could have helped the pacing and depth. This book also badly needs copyediting, the errors and inconsistentencies are numerous and not really ignorable, at least for me. There is potential here, but because of the previously stated reasons, I can't rate it more than 2.75/5.

[Domi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The tension of the time was written well, as were the two MCs. My only point of contention would be with editing. There was continuity issue towards the end and confusion as to location. One page said Houston humidity but we were in Virginia. So that was a bit of a bummer. Along with a few grammatical errors.

The story itself was well written, engaging and left me full. I loved the epilogue.

Thank you, E.N.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit I read this based only on the fact that it was about a black woman mathematician for NASA in the 60s. Overall, this was too much of a conventional romance for me. Anything pertaining to their work feels cliché "genius has a genius idea" and the whole love and family and BPP stuff feel sugary despite being such hard topics.

[JeanQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boldly Beautiful

To find a gem like this in the romance genre is rare especially given the content. The love story is beautiful, enhanced by a serious subject matter that only emboldens the author’s writing. Definitely worth a read.

[Jenevieve Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and interesting historic romance. The pacing was wonky, and it could have benefitted from a steady proofreading and editor (was the bail 10k or 25k? Why did Gloria stay at her mom’s sometimes and her brother’s other times? Etc).

[L. Wardell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters are real, taking the whole of the 60's, segregation, black panthers, Russian defectors and undeniable attraction between the main characters. Love has no race and a language all its own. It's one if the best books I've read in a while!

[Maelie Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,825

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Terry🎀 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5