I have been sitting with my thoughts for a several days now on how to put into words how good this book is. I kept seeing it everywhere and when I got approved, I could finally belong and understand that all the hype is so very well deserved. Katie gave us the most beautiful and raw main characters. For a person that hadn't enjoyed poetry in the past, this book was written in a way that made me want to keep reading their poems and how they professed their loved for each other through them. Katie appealed to my senses and emotions in such a genuine way. I wish everybody could experience the absolute privilege of being changed by this book.

I brought this book for my flight and it is definitely in my top 5 reads of the year. As a former sorority girl and fellow Swiftie myself, I felt like I had to read this one. Leigh and Will both definitely have feelings for each other but they are having trouble figuring it out. So they basically spill their feelings using poems. The tension and the pining, urgh…it was so good.

Will Langford must be protected at all costs. Leigh was also a very relatable character, I loved basically who she became by the end of the book. This book will live rent free in my head forever! It’s been a while since a book gave me all the feels.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!

All of my undergrad creative writing trauma just came on up to the surface with this one. I felt many feelings every time Leigh had a critique. But in my experience, there was not a hot guy staring me down or secretly in love with me. Too bad.

Trauma aside, this story was absolutely lovely. Leigh and Will’s decade long will they/wont they was swoony and full of contention and fear and feelings held onto for too long. When Will walks into the barbecue, I just knew, knew deep down, that this was going to be a beautiful story. And it was.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it!

While I enjoyed "You Between the Lines" for the most part, I feel as though a great portion of its potential was lost. The plot itself felt superficial, and being a writer myself, I understand the need to validate oneself based on someone’s opinion, but it felt a bit childish in Leigh’s case.

In my opinion, I believe the author could’ve easily written a much more compelling version of Leigh, rather than the version that’s portrayed on the page. Especially in comparison to Will, who’s definitely well rounded, and the heavy topics which are genuinely thought-provoking.

If Leigh’s self-sabotaging and “hate the white man” persona was chiefly intended to stir conflict within the narrative, then that’s a shame because there’s far more artistic ways to showcase these flaws (and/or characteristics) without the character coming off as annoying. At the end of the day, however, this is a debut, and with that in mind, there’s always room for improvement.

3.5 stars

Before I go into details about what I liked and didn't like about this title, please let me lead with this: this FMC will NOT be for everyone. Leigh is very flawed, imperfect, and makes decisions that might make you want to scream at your book. But by the end of the book, she unlearns the habits that limit her own growth and emotional maturity. I think a lot of people will be irritated by her, mainly because they see too many of their own flaws within her.

Will has his own flaws that he navigates throughout the book as well, but it felt as if this was Leigh's book and Will was a supporting character, rather than this book being about their relationship.

This might be my least favorite book of the year. I was so looking forward to reading this book but reading it felt like pulling teeth. This was likened to Julie Soto who is my favorite but I can tell you, no I don’t think these writers compare.

This had the makings to be amazing. Two writers, an MFA program (hello that sounds amazing) but no I hated everything about this book. Being in Leigh’s head was truly so terrible and exhausting. I ended up really hating her and it never got better for me. Will was about as fun as a wet paper bag.

I feel bad writing this review because I try to keep things positive as much as possible everywhere but, I hated this book lol.

This book has a beautiful writing style that makes it clear why the plot revolves around the intricacies of poetry and the power of words. I love the depth of some of the workshop scenes and the view inside the MFA program and its difficulties.

Unfortunately, Leigh, the FMC, was the most irritating character in this book. Her self-sabotage, while relatable in many ways, was overwhelming to read on a repeated cycle. Also, the on and off relationship with Will was exhausting, because it also always revolved around Leigh's self sabotaging.

The best part for me was in the final 15% when she finally starts to actually process, well, anything that's been happening to her and makes those changes to allow herself to be happy. She spent the entire book in "woe is me" stage and I loved getting to see her put her life to rights afterward. But it took so long of back and forth, endless waffling of emotions to get there.

Will was... moderately boring as a singular character. BUT I did love the chemistry between Will and Leigh. I just wish it had not been so rollercoaster-y for so much of the book. I think I got whiplash.

Overall, there were a lot of really good scenes that had me invested and loving the story. But the character arcs were just too long winded and exhausting to get through in the meantime. But the ending felt really good and I loved where the characters ended up.

This book had me SWOONING!

After quitting a dead-end advertising job, aspiring poet Leigh does an MFA program. Her imposter syndrome tells her she's going to be the worst writer in her cohort. What she doesn't expect is Will Langford, a former high school classmate with whom she has a...history.

Throughout the year, Leigh and Will are pushed together and pulled apart, seemingly trying to sabotage the obvious chemistry between them before it can ignite.

This book was so good! I loved both of the main characters, and was rooting for them the entire time. Will is truly THE tortured poet, and Leigh, despite thinking otherwise, is perfect for him.

Liked:
*the premise - grabbed me instantly
*the MMC
*well written

Issues:
*”not like other girls” MFC
*not all plot points are as fleshed out as I want in a book
*repetitive
*highly immature MFC
*lack of chemistry between the MC’s
*sorry for going on about her but - intensely unlikable MFC (this ordinarily isn’t an issue but Leigh was insufferable)

While I would definitely read the author again, this particular book was not for me (other readers seem to adore this one, so I think this was a case of me not being the right reader).



Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

I want to thank the author and Netgallery for allowing me the chance to read the ARC of this book!

First: OMG!!!! Such a freaking cute book.

Secondly: I really liked this book because of the characters. Nobody overpowered the other, and it allowed for charavter development to happen.

Thirdly: I wanted to push both main characters together and say, "KISS!" multiple times. The author wrote sex scenes that aren't descriptive and fade to black (meaning the author skips the descriptive sex scenes).


Fourthly and finally: There were so many things I related to this book. I am an anxious person like Leigh, so to have a character whose mind works like mine was refreshing. The "not handling rejection well" aspect of this book hits so hard for me because I had to learn how to handle rejections without tesring myself down. I really also liked that I could relate to Leigh's feelings about her parents' separation and having to go back-and-forth between them.

This is a beautiful book. I have never read something quite like it. It’s definitely not your traditional romance. It has a literary vibe that was really refreshing and new. There were a couple of times, mostly within the first 35% of the book, where the story moved a little slower than I prefer. Outside of that it was a beautiful love story to be a part of. The poetry aspect of the book was so interesting and unique. I will definitely recommend this book to others.

RATING: 2/5

I wanted to like this Taylor Swift coded poetry romcom but the characters fell flat for me. Loved the idea but didn't vibe with the execution on this one.

I can't believe that this is a debut! This book was one that was a highly anticipated read of early 2025 and it met every expectation and more. Hit has hints of familiar favourites, specifically You With A View, and yet Leigh and Will are so uniquely their own characters. Leigh is multifaceted and as you get to know her, you can't help but relate or sympathize with her. Looking forward to what Naymon releases next!

You Between the Lines is a mature debut. Expect multifaceted characters with complex issues in addition to an alluring and sexy romance between two MFA poetry students who have a rocky shared past and undeniable attraction for one another despite their differences. While at times I tired of how each character self-sabotaged, it felt realistic and relatable. I can't wait to see what else Katie Naymon writes!

If two poets had yearning in the modern day, You Between the Lines is it. There was a history and past between Leigh and Will and I loved how the author jumped the timelines, not in way I've seen done before. Just sharing little insights into the past in the present day. It's well written, funny, emotional, and realistic. YES, both Will and Leigh were unlikable at times, yet it felt so genuine to the story. Angst and tension? Say no more, literally between the lines.

Some of the poetry went over my head but then came back and slammed right back into me, so there was that 😂 Tbh I felt that Leigh's therapist was MY therapist? I fear too many will relate to Leigh and I demand more hot men like Will need to exist.

"Your first reaction, when someone ignores you, is to assume that there's something wrong with you. You assign your self-worth based on your perception of what others think about you." 🪩 ya!!! Her therapist is talking to you, mirrorball girlies!

"Maybe it's because I don't trust his attraction to me, even though I want it so badly, so I want him to force the issue." - Me with men HA HA hitting too close

A former sorority girl starts a prestigious poetry MFA program only to discover that one of her fellow grad students is her high school crush-turned-nemesis—​who can't stop writing about her.

No one’s more surprised than Leigh when a prestigious MFA program in North Carolina accepts her. A former sorority girl, Leigh’s the first to admit she knows more about the lyrics of Taylor Swift than T.S. Eliot, and she’s never been able to shake the “all-style-no-substance” feedback her high school crush made in their poetry workshop. Bad enough that her tattooed, New Yorker tote bag-carrying classmates have read all the right authors and been published in the country's leading literary journals, Leigh's insecurities become all too real when Will, that same high school crush-turned-nemesis, shows up at orientation as a first-year in the program, too. And now, he’s William, exactly the kind of writer Leigh hates, complete with his pretentious sweater vests and tattered Moleskine.

Leigh’s determined to prove herself—and William—wrong by landing the program’s highly-coveted fellowship. But Will’s dead-set on it, too, and in a small cohort, they can't keep apart for long. When Will submits an intimate poem (that's maybe, probably, definitely about Leigh) to workshop, they’re both forced to realize there’s more to the other than what’s on the page. And what’s between the lines may be even more interesting.

Loved it. Will recommend to others

Loved! Actually made me miss school and the friendships. Beautiful writing. So much depth and tension. The slow burn was worth it. Perfect title!

I was immediately drawn in by the premise of this story: two characters with a complicated history find themselves not only in the same poetry MFA program, but also competing for a prestigious fellowship.

The writing was just lovely and I appreciated how the author included elements of poetry throughout the story. The chemistry between the two main characters was intense and kept me coming back for more. While I would consider this book to be a romance, it also explores the characters’ vulnerabilities and the messy, unresolved feelings that stem from their individual life experiences and challenges.

One downside for me was the main character’s maturity level. At times, her actions and inner thoughts felt more in line with someone much younger than 27.

Overall, You Between the Lines is an enjoyable and well-crafted romance with a fresh twist, thanks to its poetic focus and complex relationships. It’s a book I’d recommend to readers who enjoy stories about love, growth, and following your passion.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, Forever, and Katie Naymon for an advanced copy of this book. I look forward to new releases from this author in the future.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7055476899

I thought this book was such a pleasant surprise! Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

This book hooked me from the start with the story of Leigh and Will. I love a good nemesis origin story and the fact that the beginning story kept coming up throughout the book was super satisfying. We meet Leigh as she is about to start an MFA program and is amidst her parents separation. Her journey throughout this story is relatable if you have ever found yourself to be a people pleaser. The MMC, Will is every thought daughter's dream Pinterest man. The strong but silent literary type. Leigh and Will know each other from their high school writing class, and after Will gives some harsh feedback, becomes Leigh's nemesis from the past. They end up being in the same MFA program with each other and Leigh realizes her crush on Will never went away. Their will they won't they throughout the book is utterly delightful and their tension-filled interactions made me go crazy over pinkies touching (!!!). I love how both characters show growth in their communication with each other and that Leigh grows to be more vulnerable. This book also had great mental health representations and lovely poems throughout. Overall, I loved this book!

did I finish this book or did this book finish me?

I don’t know how I’m ever going to move on 😭😭😭😭 one of the most beautifully written romances I’ve ever read. I’ve never related so hard to a character, but I am Leigh and Leigh is me!!!! At some points it felt like reading my own diary, or should I say, the words were a mirror 🫠🥲 I felt like words were being ripped from my own chest. Leigh was the star for me, but Will Langford………… I love you. The stoic, tortured poet MMC of our dreams, I’ll never get over him either. Both of their poems made me FEEL and hurt in the best way. Anyway, now I want to dust off my old poetry journal and cry 🥲

A stunning debut, I want to frame this book and hang it up for the world to see. It was tender and thought-provoking and full of so much depth (and therapy!!!), I never wanted it to end.

My mirrorball, EmHen, swiftie, people-pleasing, angsty tortured poet, perfectionist, this is me trying girlies- this one is for you 🥺 preorder this book & add it to your tbr NOW you won’t regret it!!! (Out 2/18/25) ✨

Thank you x1000000 to ReadForever & Katie Naymon for gifting me an early copy of You Between the Lines, this one is so so special to me 💗💗💗