As someone who enjoys poetry but doesn't read a ton of it, I enjoyed the snippets of poems sprinkled throughout You Between the Lines and was not surprised to learn that the author has an MFA in poetry herself. I can't speak to the accuracy of going through an MFA program as depicted in this story, but it felt very real to me and I thought the characterization was done well as we are introduced to Leigh and follow her journey in the program alongside her one-time crush. As second-chance romances go, this was a very cute setup and I enjoyed Leigh and Will's back and forth, though it did tend to give me whiplash at times.

I am not rating this higher because being inside Leigh's head was exhausting for most of this book (coming from someone who deals with a lot of anxiety and people-pleasing like she does). I understand her judgmental tendencies combined with intense insecurities were part of her character journey, but I didn't feel we saw enough progress in her growth until the very end. By that point, I was so tense from feeling the depth of her anxiety throughout the book that it was hard to focus on her relationship with Will. Still, I think Naymon is a strong writer and this may appeal to readers who have experienced the complicated social dynamics of grad school and/or trying to pursue a career in the arts. Thank you very much to Forever for the arc!

Simply put - this is a romance readers dream 🩷 seriously stunned that this is Katie’s debut novel. Her writing is addicting in the best way. And the poetry she writes is SO good. It had me wanting to pick up a poetry book for the first time in a few years. An academic romance, mental health rep, rivals-to-lovers, and found family?! Plus so many other great tropes and micro tropes. I love Will and Leigh’s characters so much!! The YEARNING!! Ugh so romantic.

The character growth is just as great as the romance. Leigh is the ultimate people pleaser and has many insecurities that make her character extremely relatable. She craves nothing more than to be seen as a serious writer. Her journey with therapy was so well-written. I think many people will really connect with this book. Katie is an auto-buy author for me now and I honestly can’t wait to read whatever she writes next 🩷

I read this romance in less than 24 hours. The story really moved along quickly in my opinion and I felt very compelled by our main romance. I really enjoyed the college setting and if you’re on the hunt for something that’s slightly academic or something that follows the school calendar year - this checks the box! I especially loved depiction of fall in North Carolina. But of course we actually makes this romance sound so it for me is the fact that both of our love interests are in an MFA program and specifically in poetry and the author chooses to actually put in poetry by these two into the story! Honesty it has made me want to go out and look for a poetry collection to read! That’s how much I enjoyed reading the poems and especially the back-and-forth with them writing notes on each other’s poems and their work. It felt deeply romantic and really added intimacy.
I am a bit of a sucker for second chance romances and these two pined for each other in high school - always very much on each other‘s radar. They definitely were each other‘s biggest fans even though they didn’t know!

Our couple had a chance encounter when they are in college which leads to our female character bearing her feelings to our male main character BUT he doesn’t reciprocate! So when they bump into each other again , six years later at this MFA program hostility, tension and lingering feelings. I would say about the 50% or 60% mark they are dealing with the fact that their feelings for each other are very strong, but they both have such deep insecurities. Funny enough they kind of have same insecurity which is what makes them a perfect pairing. They both believe they’re not good enough. They admire each other so much but feel they will never be enough. I also especially enjoyed the commentary on her parent’s divorce and how that affects her perspective on long-term relationships. Our FMC thinks they’re ultimately not possible because the relationship that she held so dear is falling apart. I just love how they had to overcome this and grow. They really had to be vulnerable with each other and their true feelings and their insecurities

Lastly our epilogue wasn’t cheesy. While they did both finish the program, they didn’t have perfect poetry careers lined up. I’m so glad the author didn’t just make them have this perfect happily ever after. Instead showed the realities of having an MFA. I also love the full circle moment with her speaking to her poet idol and how her trajectory wasn’t linear either. So just overall I feel like it was a quick more serious romance with gorgeous tension and I’d be excited to read anything else of this author put out!

2025 is off to a STRONG start with 5-star reads 🥹


from the very first chapter, I could tell that this book was special. the author’s writing style, imagery, pop culture references, and use of/references to poetry and literary structures immediately hooked me and felt so fresh and unique.

I loved how fully developed the characters were throughout the story. I’m usually not one for the miscommunication trope, but I think it makes a lot of sense here and is just part of their growth journey. I related so deeply to Leigh for most of the book, which made this an extra special read for me.

The found family, mental health rep, well-written spice that flowed with the story, and believable relationships and plot made for one of my favorite romances I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to read every single thing this author ever writes!!!


Thank you to so so much to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing the ARC.

This book was a really nice surprise. I was expecting it to be more of a rom-com with a focus on the rivals to lovers between Leigh and Will. While that is certainly part of it, the story really captures one woman's journey overcoming her deep-seated insecurities to be the best possible writer she can and to have a relationship with the best possible partner.

Leigh is deeply relatable, especially for anyone who might be a recovering people pleaser. The imposter syndrome is strong with her and it takes a lot of her world crumbling down before she is able to fully start working on getting better. She is frustrating and imperfect and i love her all the more because of it.

This book is truly a gem and is not to be missed.

My sincere thanks to Forever and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

Leigh and Will have been accepted into a graduate program where they will be studying creative writing, specifically poetry. They knew each other in high school and were kind of poetry rivals. Anyway, they are going to be in this program together for two years. How long will it take before they admit they really admire each other and go from crush to more?

This was a unique idea for a romance. The graduate program setting was interesting, and it was fun to read about how the different personalities in the program bonded and became a family of sorts. I really liked the beginning back story and the initial start of their time in North Carolina, but I got bogged down in the middle of the book and wasn't enjoying it as much. I'm not that much of a poetry person, so that might have been part of it. I was also not enjoying Leigh and her attitude. The ending was good, but I wasn't as invested at that point. I will definitely recommend this book to those I think will enjoy it even though it wasn't quite what I was looking for.

You know how sometimes you can tell when you and a book/an author’s writing just click? That was me with You Between the Lines. Katie Naymon’s debut already got my attention with the description (poetry and romance? A classic), as I’ve always had a soft spot for poetry from the days of poetry units in lit classes (thinking back to Shel Silverstein in elementary school and all the fun rhymes and patterns of other poems since), and I love the freedom of writing poems.

And then when I started reading YBTL, with just the prologue, I was hooked. I ADORE high school crushes/backstories to eventual lovers (hence my love for contemporary YA), and Leigh and Will are so unbearably CUTE. Their one interaction at homecoming? Sold. Leigh paying so much attention to him and looking forward to his comments in their creative writing class? Tell me everything. Being crushed at the meanness of that comment? Oof, I felt that and was waiting from then on for Will to redeem himself.

YBTL is everything—it contains all the elements that are my catnip: that element of second chance? Yes. The former crush to (one-sided) nemesis to lovers? Yes, please. The get this out of our systems but oops we’ll never be able to? I’m all about that. The “Somehow you knew who I was before I did.” “I can hardly remember a time when I wasn’t in love with you.” “I remember every conversation we’ve ever had.” It’s so achingly romantic and tender and vulnerable and lovely and sweet. Inject it straight into my veins because this is romance, folks. I’m unwell thinking of them and it’s been two weeks since I finished this book. The way Naymon crafts their story, from Leigh and Will’s own growth and character arcs, their vulnerable layers being peeled back and exposed for each other to see, their insecurities and mental health struggles, it’s truly a treat to get to read it.

I loved getting to see them become reluctant friends to eventual lovers because you really get to experience all the highs and lows and the way they’re there for each other, and seeing Leigh’s views on first Will and then herself and her MFA fam change and develop is beautiful. Leigh’s therapy sessions and working through her people pleasing tendencies, her fear of not being enough and being disliked, her imposter syndrome, it all made me cry. What we learn about Will and his own struggles with self-worth and his complicated relationship with his dad made me cry, too. And putting these two messy but warm and soft souls together? It’s magic. I cried so many times, my heart hurting for both of them (the angst is painful in the perfect way *chef’s kiss* and the PINING, the YEARNING, this is my jam), and I absolutely adored their hard-earned HEA so much. They deserve the world AHHHHH I love them, getting emotional thinking about them.

I’m sad I’ll never get to read this for the first time again, but I look forward to countless rereads of YBTL. Leigh’s journey is so relatable it hurts (imposter syndrome is so real, and it’s so hard not to people please!!), and I wanted to hug Will and reassure him too. The way Leigh and Will bring out the best of each other because they see past what everyone else sees, ughhh, yes. It’s everything. I highlighted SO MUCH. All the beautiful lines, the perfectly crafted words that hit the spot. When an author’s writing speaks to me, when her words are just right, I can’t help it. “And I choke in lavender” -Will Langford, the most romantic poet ML ever (iconic, you’ll understand once you read it)

(Also not to be weird or anything but I coped with being finished with this beautiful book by reading all of Katie Naymon’s poems for her MFA thesis and getting all excited when I saw which ones she repurposed or used titles for in YBTL because it felt like finding Easter eggs! Her origin story poems haha. They’re also fascinating and made me reread them to roll those lines over in my head and think about them.)

Anyway this book was written for me, and I’m sure for so many of you, too. So excited for people to get to experience You Between the Lines for the first time (and jealous 😭).

Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for the ARC!

“You Between the Lines” was slow to get started but I’m so glad I stayed with it because the second half was SO GOOD! The two main characters are both poets who went to high school together but have now reunited ten years later as they pursue their MFA degree. Things I loved: second chance/enemies to lovers trope, strong mental health rep, strong female characters. Content warnings: death of parent, emotional toll of divorce. Spice level: a few open door scenes.. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re a fan of heartfelt romance woven with poetry and the world of writers, this book is a must-read. The story follows the journey of two characters whose paths cross again after years apart. In high school, the female protagonist (FMC) harbored a crush on the male protagonist (MMC), but her admiration turned to resentment after he cruelly criticized her poetry as lacking depth. Fast forward to years later, and they find themselves reunited at a prestigious writing fellowship, where they are forced to confront their past, their unresolved feelings, and the potential for a future together.
The poetry in this book is beautifully crafted, offering a glimpse into the emotional core of the characters (though one particular Taylor Swift poem may raise a few eyebrows). The romance is filled with tension, ups and downs, and plenty of chemistry, though at times, the FMC can be difficult to warm up to. Both characters are deeply affected by personal struggles, and that complexity adds layers to their interactions. While it’s unclear whether their relationship will last, the journey toward their eventual happy ending is both emotional and rewarding.
This is a low-steam, high-emotion story that excels in character development and mental health representation, making it a sweet and impactful read. If you're looking for a romance that resonates on a deeper level, with a touch of literary charm, this book is for you. Special thanks to Forever for providing the ARC!

Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for a review. I’m a sucker for a good romance between writers and the academic rivals trope so I was really excited to read this. I enjoyed the basic plot and the characters a lot. This fell a bit flat for me, I wanted more interaction between the love interests.. more flirting/banter. I didn’t feel super connected to the characters and as invested in their story. I liked this and enjoyed it, just didn’t really stick out to me.

“𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗲𝗺 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁.”

A debut romance for those that loved Not Another Long Song (Julie Soto). Katie Naymon comes in hot with a slow burn, high school crush-turned-rival starring two MFA poets.

If I read one more sexy MCC with glasses I may just combust. I love Will Langford with all my heart. Leigh is so messy but so relatable. Once they finally got together, I didn’t want to know a life with them apart. The yearninggg, the angst, the lavender, the PINKY TOUCH. Katie managed to turn me into a puddle with that little touch. This story gave me the upmost appreciation for poetry and Katie’s ability to write the scattered poetry throughout this book that fit each classmate perfectly.

✨mfa poets in NC
✨high school crush to rivals
✨anxiety / therapy rep
✨MMC with glasses
✨angsty tortured poet
✨single POV
✨found family

Thank you Forever Pub and NetGalley for the early read!

you between the lines by katie naymon 💜

don’t you just love yearning? 

you between the lines quite literally blew me away, it’s the kind of book that made me feel way too much, it stabbed me in the heart and it brought me back to life, it had me screaming and giggling at these fools but also crying when i found myself relating way too hard to the characters
i just knew instantly i was going to love this book

like woahhh woahhhhhhh they’ve been pining since HIGH SCHOOL?? and the POEMS??? there was banter, a shit ton of tension, and familiarity, godddd it was amazing

i, honest to god, will never forget about will’s poem because i also choked, its all im gonna think about for the rest of my life 
i dream of your wrist and i choke in lavender 
i dream of your wrist and i choke in lavender
I DREAM OF YOUR WRIST AND I CHOKE IN LAVENDER 
i need to lie down, william was just insane and i told katie this multiple times LOL (sorry for bothering you through dms)
it made me feral, even without his pov, seeing how amazed he was by leigh, reading all her poems and the notes he’d make! how much he yearned for her, how much he wanted to be the best for her, ahhhh the man that you are will!! 

leigh, girl i love you 😭
it’s CRAZY how much of her experience lined up with mine, from starting her program (no I’m not in an MFA program, I’m not cool like her lol) to how we both had the same thoughts about ourselves and made similar choices. it was scary, it made me emotional, it shocked me; leigh molds herself to others, to make sure they are not inconvenienced and oh god did that hit sooo close to home. i think the conversations she had with her therapist struck me the most, especially the last one towards the end, i was SOBBING. i understood her so well, and by the end i was just so happy for her, for finding herself in her writing and just life.

i loved that will just saw her, i love that they BOTH grew, saw each other, and encouraged each other’s writing. they were the person they needed for each other when life around them was sort of not where they wanted it to be.

tysm forever & katie for the ARC! this was a wonderful debut and i can’t wait for more!

Leigh Simon (27) gets accepted to a prestigious MFA program at Perrin in NC. She has an English degree and has been working as a copywriter. But she loves poetry and has been published in a known magazine. She is surprised that in her small MFA group is William Langford who she went to highschool with. He already has a Master’s degree and has worked as an editor. But what Leigh remembers most clearly is that he didn’t like her writing.

I thought this book was the most interesting as Leigh tries to figure out why she is such a people pleaser. She literally doesn’t know if something is good until she has a reaction or response from someone. So for a women’s fiction story I enjoyed the journey with her as she dealt with her insecurities and tried to understand her parents' failing marriage. I was less interested in the romance. It still ties in to her insecurities but a lot of it had to do with poetry and writing with feeling and honesty. And truthfully I don’t really don’t get poetry on that level. There is a competition for an internship that only one poet can earn. But I didn’t love the resolution for that. I saw this as a happy for now ending and didn’t quite believe they have what it takes for a HEA.

This was a quick read. I struggled to connect with Leigh and Will but overall, they were fine MCs. I liked Leigh’s journey of self discovery. I thought the third act breakup was a bit much (although Leigh’s parents… come on). I just wanted a little more from this one.
But the ending was cute! I enjoyed the epilogue.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc/alc.

This was a beautiful love story and a wonderful debut novel by Katie Naymon. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Leigh and Will. Additionally, being a huge Swiftie, I loved all of the Taylor Swift references in this novel. Sarah Beth Goer did a fabulous job with the audiobook narration and I would definitely consider listenig to more books by her in the future. I would also read more by Katie Naymon in the future as well!

There was a lot that I enjoyed about this one. I like the higher education setting, the poetry discussed in each class, the forced proximity, and the classmates in the MFA program. Also, the cover is beautiful. Unfortunately, I could not get over how much I did not connect with the main character, Leigh. She was supposed to be in her late twenties, but how she reacted throughout much of the novel made her read much younger. It made me wish it was dual POV so that I could escape her thoughts for just a few pages. I wanted to know what was going through Will’s mind during certain situations and his thoughts on their interactions.

Thank you to author Katie Naymon, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the eARC of You Between the Lines in exchange for my review.

2.5 stars

I was looking forward to reading this as I had seen so many wonderful reviews for it. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me. I didn't care for the FMC at all. She seemed so immature for a woman of 27 years old. She seemed very me-me-me with her parent's marriage issues. Her issues with Will were very childish, too.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 3/5

Thank you Forever (@readforeverpub) for the ARC and finished copies! 🫶🏼

Where are my fellow English major and Creative Writing besties at!? This book lured me in because I was once just a sorority girl writing romance alongside the literariest at my liberal arts college!

I really enjoyed the premise of the story and loved the poetry interspersed throughout. I fell head over heels for Will-YUM Langford and I’m not mad about it. I also really loved all the side characters who added a healthy dose of comedy and drama to the mix.

I will admit though, what got under my skin the most was how miscommunication became the heart of this romance. Both Leigh and Will have a laundry list of assumptions about one another, none of which they take the time to discuss or clear up. They both just kept pining for one another but never really stopped to take a moment and really listen to the other. I mean, I’m all about lust driving all your motivations, even more on board when they want to give in just this once to get the want out of their systems, but I think immaturity got the better of our FMC and tanked the relationship.

I think this book would have benefitted greatly from a dual POV perspective. I know there was so much more to Will’s character that we didn’t get to see and there were times I was just desperate for it!

For a debut, this was still a great romance, but I wanted more.

"All style, no substance"—the words Leigh has never been able to forget.
Accepted into a prestigious MFA program at a crossroads in her life, Leigh is determined to prove herself. But when she discovers that Will—her high school crush-turned-nemesis, who once rejected both her and her work—is also enrolled, old wounds resurface, and the tension is undeniable.
The slow-burn dynamic between Leigh and Will is thick with unresolved history, keeping me hooked and rooting for them the entire time. Naymon’s writing—both in the novel itself and through the characters' MFA work—adds layers of emotion and depth, making the romance feel immersive and poetic. Leigh was a complicated character for me. At times, her actions felt younger than her age, but Naymon skillfully unpacks the reasons behind her insecurities, making her growth feel authentic and rewarding. With its lyrical prose, academic setting, and simmering romance, You Between the Lines is a captivating story of longing, self-discovery, and the power of words.
Thank you Forever for the copy through NetGalley!

This one was a really good slow-burn missed connection story. Leigh and Will were in the same high school writing class and Will had given Leigh hypercritical feedback during class, basically derailing her crush on him. We fast forward ten years later and they’ve just started the same Masters of Fine Arts program together and it’s a pretty small cohort. Things are awkward between them, as expected, especially when we learn that they had seen each other once six years ago (also ending badly). It was interesting to see these two people continuing to skirt around their feelings for each other and not quite communicate directly. Everything is sort of hiding in their poetry and creative work and they’re both deeply insecure. It was fun seeing the dynamic with all their classmates and working through their career aspirations. Overall, the book kept me hooked, even if all the poetry went over my head.