Katie Naymon’s debut novel is set in a poetry MFA program with main characters Leigh and Will who knew each other in high school and college. Leigh has never forgotten a comment Will made about her poetry in high school (high school!) and she’s still ruminating over it many years later.

The narration was excellent. There’s a lot of dialogue, so Sarah Beth Goer uses many different tones, and creates some nuance for our hero William (Will) – who doesn’t say all that much, so it needs to make an impression. Sarah Beth makes his tone low and slow which captures his character. The novel is all in FMC Leigh’s point of view, and Sarah Beth captures her preppiness and the way that she masks and avoids responding genuinely - especially to Will. I loved the narration much more than the book itself.

I didn’t connect at all with Leigh, she is self-absorbed to an almost frightening degree. She doesn’t accept any criticism, or even reflect on gentle critiques of her poetry. She makes assumptions about everyone, second-guesses herself and responds to her classmates based on what she thinks they want. She does grow into herself and into a relationship with Will, but it’s almost too little, too late. Will also has mental health issues and some grief to navigate.

I’ll read more of Katie’s writing. The college campus was memorably portrayed and all the side characters were vivid.

Thank you Katie Naymon, Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Leigh and Will were high school nemeses and secret crushes. They almost had a moment during college, which left some lingering and unresolved tension. Years later, they unknowingly enroll in the same MFA program studying poetry. To any Swifties reading this: Will would absolutely be a member of TTPD. IYKYK.

I mean this as a compliment: This book gave Ali Hazelwood vibes. From the rivals-to-lovers in higher ed, competing for a prestigious position, to the angst and secret pining/slow-burn developments.

A lot of the story is focused on Leigh’s introspection about her place in the MFA program, navigating the changes in her family, and general personal insecurities (throwback to normative feelings in your 20’s). I enjoyed the mental health rep (for both characters). Leigh and Will are imperfect characters and are managing complex but relatable emotions. The character growth was well done.

The audiobook narration made this fun and engaging!

Thanks to Hachette Audio (Forever Pub), & NetGalley for an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review!
Pub date: 2/18/25

3/5
Meh. This was fine. It was annoying and felt longer than it needed to be. I didn’t love any characters so I wasn’t invested in their story.

I received this book from NetGalley and @HachetteAudio in exchange for an honest review. I felt like the audiobook version was pretty good. The female narrator wasn’t my favorite but I did like the voice that she did for Will, the MMC. The characters’ voices were different enough to keep track of. I felt like sometimes it got muddled and hard to discern when the poetry was being read. Sometimes I couldn’t tell if it was just what was going through the FMC’s mind or if she was actively coming up with ideas for poems.
So I enjoyed this book and there were things about it that I really liked, for example how the MCs would communicate/flirt through their notes on each other’s work. I also appreciated the representation and destigmatization of therapy as well as taking medication for mental health. There was a lot of back and forth in the relationship which became a little much for me, though the lack of communication and vulnerability was a big part of the FMCs struggle through the book. So while the middle seemed long, I really did enjoy the ending and who the FMC became once she was willing to do the hard work on herself.

"...the one who decides she is pretty
with the lights on, with arms uncrossed
and breath slow enough to catch."

You Between the Lines is one of my most anticipated titles of the year for good reason. Literary romance has quickly become an elevated and delicious subgenre for this reader. This title weaves personal and professional growth, delectable drama of an MFA poetry cohort, and a toe curling slow burn romance spanning nearly a decade.

Leigh is a girl's girl. A pink sundress wearing, former sorority girlie, writing Taylor Swift lyric wielding poetry full of pop culture imagery. When Leigh is depressed and burned out of her copy editing marketing job, she is pleasantly elated upon obtaining a coveted spot in a prestigious North Carolina MFA program.

Leigh is shocked to learn that her high school crush/high school nemesis is part of her program. Will never held back criticism in their creative writing program, and she is mortified to have continued workshopping with this complication from her past. He's still insufferable, meandering his way into her poetry feedback--pushing her to increased vulnerability in her writing.

This single POV piece of art is a deeply introspective glance into Leigh's perfectionist insecurities surrounding her parent's failing marriage, what "kind" of art and woman she should be, and what in world the beautiful William Langford has in his pretty, confused head. The MFA poetry cohort brings her foundational doubts to the surface, forcing Leigh to make some welcomed growth.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the audio ARC. Sarah Beth Goer does a beautiful rendition of the loving but neurotic Leigh. The emotion in her performace is unmatched and this audiobook is an absolute delight. You between the Lines debuts February 18, 2025.

As a poetry reader and English lit minor I thought this would be a great read for me but I found it very disappointing. Leigh spent the majority of the story complaining about having to read poetry and dissect poetry, which is pretty much the whole point of being in an MFA for poetry. I also really disliked the subtle ways she set herself apart from the other poetry students by othering the way they dress and act. It felt very stereotypical and "pick me". I understand that part of the storyline is her insecurity/imposter syndrome but she also actively refused to really be part of her program. Not reading classic poetry is not something to brag about to feel superior to classmates when you're in grad school to study poetry. And again, if there was more self reflection or recognition that Leigh is not a great person and is getting in her own way constantly by ignoring week meaning feedback, this could have worked but if she's not even mature enough to discuss poetry with her classmates, how could she possibly be in a lasting relationship by the end of this story?!

I also found myself frustrated by her constant assertions that the poetry style she enjoys is somehow superior to traditional/classical styles of poetry. It felt like someone who read Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace and then decided no other styles of poetry are valid. Experimental feminist pop culture poetry exists in conversations with the genere and asserting that it is the only valid style is no different than someone say Tennyson's style is the only valid poetry. Leigh is just as dismissive as she assumes her classmates to be but thinks she is superior because the poetry she likes speaks to her so it must be better.

I also found both Will and Leigh to be very immature. Neither of them read like almost 30 year old grad school students. This story would have felt more believable if they were undergrads in a selective program. They were insufferable as grad students. Leigh's constant whining took away from any chemistry the author was trying to develop. Overall this was a big miss for me.

3.5⭐️I really wanted to love this more. Because I really did love parts of it and the writing especially, I can’t believe this is a debut.

But I found the FMC insufferable. She is meant to be 27, but reads close 17 to me. And it just got to be me painful to read for me.

The whole push pull between them also got so frustrating. Like her friend Genevieve said, I really wanted them to just get over themselves and get on with it. Side bar, Gen might have been my favourite character, she seemed like a riot, I wanted more of her.

The audiobook was great, I really did enjoy the narrator. Overall pleasant book, but could have been better.

Thank you to Hachette audio, NetGalley & the author Katie Naymon for the advanced listening + reading copies, all my opinions are my own.

in all honesty, i didn’t love this one. it started off strong for me but as it went on it felt it dragged and lacked chemistry between the two main characters.

narration was great and enjoyable! it was just the plot that i didn’t love.

For two people who are in a masters program about words they are terrible communicators. Leigh and Will were high school classmates where Leigh had a crush on Will who never gave her the time of day. Now 10 years later they are in the same MFA program and still find each other at odds creatively but drawn to one another.

I think that there was just too many little things added together that I couldn't get past and enjoy the book but I feel like for some people they may not be a bother: Leigh being the "I'm not like other girls" pick me archetype, the cringy Taylor Swift and One Direction poetry (and this is from a Swiftie and Directioner), Leigh being 27 and overly invested in her parents failing marriage, and the number of times her and Will make one step towards being together before ultimately saying "we can't for xyz.." weak reasoning. Also I cannot get over Will's daddy issues being used as an excuse for plagiarism???

The writing in this is very beautiful though, and I think I have realized after reading this that any book that uses Beach Read as a comp title will just end up missing the mark for me. Thank you Forever and NetGalley for an ARC & ALC of You Between the Lines.

I absolutely adored this debut! I thought the writing was beautiful, the plot creative and interesting, and the characters were complex and unique. The setting and environment, Leigh and Will, and their past, had me completely devoted. I enjoyed all of the characters and the different dynamics they brought to their MFA writing group. Books about writers are always fun, and I loved the poetry throughout.
There were so many unrequited feelings between Leigh and Will, and the rivalry, angst, secret pining, and tension that came with that had me eating this right up. I also enjoyed the parental layer, where complicated feelings stemmed from each of their relationships with their families, and how that played into the mix. They just felt so real and raw, and relatable. And the ending was the sweetest!!

🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Sarah Beth Goer, and she did a fantastic job! I thought her voice fit Leigh’s point of view perfectly, and I loved the voices she used for each character. I highly recommend listening!

Read/Listen if you like ⇣
Second chance
Rivals to lovers
Creative writers
Mental health rep
Found family
Single POV
Spice

Thank you Hachette Audio, Netgalley, and the author for the ALC!

Thank you to Hachette Audio & NetGalley for an ALC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was really looking forward to this one, but it honestly fell flat for me. The relationship between Will and Leigh felt very unnatural and forced almost, they had zero chemistry. I also felt like Leigh was a bit insufferable as a FMC, she didn’t have many redeeming qualities, and spent most of the book complaining.

I also tend to enjoy dual POV more, and as this was single POV, I had a hard time listening to just one narrator tell the story.

I think others may enjoy this book, but sadly it wasn’t for me.

I thought this book was going to be made for me as an English grad.

Unfortunately, I had such a hard time thinking that Leigh would have made it into this MFA program. And there's no way I could have ever believed she'd have a shot at the special apprenticeship. She's immature, stubborn, and has a big case of the "not like other girls." Why was Will so obsessed?

Not to mention the amount of Taylor Swift references in this book is absolutely egregious. It got to the point that if it was a drinking game, you would NOT be ok.

Thank you Forever Pub and Hachette Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.

I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews for You Between The Lines from friends. I really enjoyed this and binged it in about a day.

Leigh and William went to the same high school, had an almost romance in college and are reunited when they attend the same MFA program. Leigh is convinced as a former sorority girl that she’s never good enough. She’s also dealing with the separation of her parents. In the meantime she’s competing for a fellowship with her favorite poet.

This has very similar vibes to me as Not an My Book by Katie Holt. I wish they’d be been published further apart because I liked that a bit more. I liked seeing Leigh learn and develop as a poet. I really liked William. He was so swoon worthy. I enjoyed how they both grew and learned to be better for each other. I enjoyed the narration and didn’t want to stop listening.

I will definitely read future books from Katie Naymon.

Set in the world of a masters level poetry course, this rom com felt fresh and unique, delivering chemistry and romance with a more introspective focus.

I really enjoyed our main characters, Leigh and Will. Their flaws and personal growth felt genuine, significant and relatable. The progression of their relationship over time was a slow burn, and while set at college it had a more mature feel, waiting for the stars to align for both characters rather than a more instalove. I loved the themes of people pleasing, vulnerability, and finding your voice.

The narration was immersive and really rounded out the earnestness and emotional experience of the cast of characters. I was so glad to be listening to the story, as hearing the poetry recited in character just amplified the emotion and lyricism of the work.

A great audiobook for anyone looking for a reflective rom com with a lot of heart. 4.5⭐️

Thank you Hachette Audio for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

**Review of *You Between the Lines* by Katie Naymon**

Set in the world of a Poetry MFA program, *You Between the Lines* brings together Will and Leigh, two characters with a past—one where Will was once Leigh’s nemesis. Now, as they must navigate their shared journey in the MFA program, they are forced to confront their past misunderstandings, prejudices, and the life changes that come with this new chapter.

Geared toward New Adult readers, the novel offers a compelling blend of romantic angst and miscommunication, which will likely resonate with fans of this genre. The characters' evolving relationship, paired with the intense academic setting, adds an intriguing layer of drama.

While the story itself is engaging, I give it 4 stars for its depth in exploring personal growth and change. However, the audiobook narration deserves 5 stars. It enhances the experience, bringing the emotional beats and nuances of the characters to life in a way that makes the story even more immersive.

A big thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a sweet story of second (and third) chances. Some of the pacing was off, but it was otherwise a nice read.

This was a super cute love story I loved Leigh and Will so much! Leigh was incredibly relatable and written so well! Will was perfectly tortured and swoony! Fantastic narration job as well!

The audiobook is STELLAR! Hearing the poems out loud is beautiful and haunting, adding a whole new level to the story. My previous review (below) stays the same. I loved every single second!

THIS. BOOK. The yearn is YEARNING in this rivals to lovers, blast from the past romance. It is smart and GORGEOUSLY written. What an absolutely fabulous debut novel. @katienaymonwrites is certainly one to watch!

Not only is this a stellar romance, Naymon weaves poetry into and between the writing in such a smooth and perfect way. The characters, the dialogue the prose, all of it is sublime! I knew just a couple chapters in that this would be an easy five star rating for me.

This book brought me back to my own grad school days (though I was in a cohort of four other women), and it was nice to revisit some of the creativity and stress of being back there without *actually* being there again. Naymon captures the expressly vulnerable period of grad school, complete with the love, lust, creativity, and drinking sessions that go along with it.

I’m not always one to say that I’ve got a bunch of book boyfriends, but Will Langford is my book boyfriend. And I will love him forever.

I was lucky enough to buddy read this book with @midwestreading and @bookologist_phd and we all LOVED IT. We agree is was a top read of 2024!

Thank you so much @readforeverpub for the eARC in exchange for my honest (and RAVE) review.

Audiobook/Book Review ✍🏽🪻

Thank you so much @readforeverpub + Hachette Audio for the gifted copy & audiobook!

You Between the Lines
by Katie Naymon
Narrated by Sarah Beth Goer

About the book 👇🏽

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. Leigh's insecurities become all too real when Will, that same high school crush-turned-nemesis, shows up at orientation. 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 proving himself 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.


🪻 My thoughts:

This was a breeze to get through. If you love poetry, you’ll love this one because you get a lot of it! This truly is a fast paced and entertaining read/listen. Sarah Beth Goer did great at narrating this story and kept my attention throughout. Here’s my only gripe… I found this story to be mostly sweet but truthfully Leigh was not my favorite* character and made it difficult to truly LOVE this story. I understand the complicated emotions especially when you’re younger but I didn’t love that one comment was carried into her adult life and shaped the trajectory of it. Other than that, I thought it was a great book and it’s still one ai’d recommend! You get a wonderful academic setting, tension between the main characters, and a swoony love story… perfect for the month of love! You Between the Lines is out 2/18/25!


Happy reading! 📖🪻✍🏽🎧

this was a sweet and swoony debut! I loved the MFA setting and the deeper dive into the world of poetry and first loves. the pining and yearning gave the best butterflies while the prose tickled my brain in the best of ways. so thankful for this early copy!

the narrator was perfect for this one! her tone was lovely and cadence was so easy to follow. I listen on 2x speed and easily completed this audio within a day.