okay i am finally ready to write a review for this book. listen, i have never been a poem girly, not in spanish nor in english but that didn’t stop me from having the best time of my life with this book. actually, i’d say it unlocked a new thing for me👀

will “wrist man” langford you guys!!!!! this man had me FLOORED pleaseeeeeeee. katie wrote him in a way that every single thing that comes out of his mouth is MELTING and maddening at the same time.

now onto leigh. this felt like a personal attack. it has been a while since i felt so seen and so identified with a fmc like i did with leigh. it’s SO refreshing to see everything that you are insecure about in a character, it truly feels like a hug from the author and it’s like they were saying “i understand you, you are not alone” thank you katie, because leigh made me feel like im not alone in this crazy world.

the tension, the pining of this man😭 this book is absolutely mind blowing and it deserves absolutely everything in this world. katie is magic, her poems and her words are magic and i truly cannot wait to see what else she is gonna bring for us because i can already see her like a shiny and bright star up in the sky🌟

the audiobook? incredible if you ask me. i got the whole experience and it’s AMAZING.

thank you for this eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I feel like I have read a similar premise before, however, that didn’t stop my enjoyment from this book. Leigh is in a prestigious MFA program from poetry when she finds out that her archrival, Will, is also in the program. Honestly, the poems that were “created” were not great. Leigh and Will fall in like and are both going for a coveted fellowship. Leigh needs some mental health help and was very immature. I did enjoy the mental health representation from Will. I also didn’t really see or feel the spice between Leigh and Will. While it started off pretty good, parts of the story were lacking.

DNF 14%. I wanted to like this book and thought it would give me the same vibes as Emily Henry but it was pretty clear that the author was trying very hard to write a book like Henry and didn't succeed. The entire setting for this book is an MFA program with MCs who are getting MFA's in poetry. This is after our heroine says that getting this degree will do nothing to further her career and after she acts like a complete child still being hung up on a guy she was kind of into in high school and with her parents being separated for a very valid reason which she can't seem to handle. I'm past the point of reading about whiny privileged people and that's what this book was to me. Also, the narrator wasn't terrible, but didn't do much for me particularly in terms of distinguishing the voices of different characters. It felt less like the story being narrated and more like it was being read to me, not my favorite.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for a copy of an advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

The premise of this book was cute, a high school crush comes back into Leigh's life at a prestigious college poetry program. Everyone can't believe that she knows Will and we get the back story between the 2 of them and some encounters they've had since high school.

I don't think I've ever been so upset with a main character before than I was with Leigh. She whined the entire book and honestly, she was the definition and why people use the phrase, "s*** or get off the pot." I was so fed up with her going back & forth on liking Will and wanting something with him to not. Talk about leading a man on and on...he has the patience of a saint!

The only reason I gave it 3 stars was because at the end things fall into place and it stops being a whine fest. But honestly, this hurt my head with how much back & forth there was. Do I dare mention how offended she also got when people were giving her the same constructive criticism with her poetry? Get over yourself Leigh!

If you're into books that are drawn out hemming and hawwing from a main character who just needs to listen to her heart and her brain (for love AND her poetry), this is for you. At the end it was like she suddenly just matured overnight and boom, what a great person who has her life together. Maybe you'll like it, but it was just a meh for me!

This was such a strong debut! I loved the complexity of the FMC. Watching her struggle with perfectionism and people pleasing was painfully relatable for someone like me who also pursued an artistic degree. At times I found it hard to read because Leigh was making the same mistakes past me made and I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being so dependent on other's opinions. However, just like past me, old habits are hard to break. I loved getting to see Leigh grow throughout the story. I also loved the literary focus of the book. The poetry as flirting aspect of this story had me swooning. The almost-English major in me adored all the discussion of storytelling. I will say that Leigh's complex journey made it difficult for me to root for the romance for most of the book. Her insecurities led her to lash out in ways that I found hard to forgive and ultimately she just seemed really unprepared for a healthy romantic relationship. I loved Leigh's story but as a romance I wasn't 100% convinced that she was ready for that relationship by the end of the book. I still had a good time reading the book because I felt so seen. I'm definitely going to be checking out this author's future books because she knows how to write some complex characters!!

The narrator was well cast because they added to the insecurity and angst that the FMC was feeling. Definitely give the audio a try if that's how you like to consume books!

I absolutely loved it!! It was such a cute story !! And it’s absolutely a MUST read. I highly HIGKY recommend this book if you looking for a really good romance read.

The narration for this audiobook was excellent—well-paced, engaging, and full of personality, perfectly capturing the tone of the story.

This book felt like the MFA version of Legally Blonde—a witty, self-aware journey of ambition, self-discovery, and emotional chaos. Leigh, a former sorority girl and die-hard Swifty, is determined to prove herself as a writer and secure the coveted fellowship that will validate her talent. But just as she’s forging her path, in walks William—her devastatingly swoon-worthy crush—sending her into an emotional tailspin. Add in her parents’ unexpected divorce and her chronic people-pleasing tendencies, and Leigh quickly spirals into full-fledged hot-mess territory. Her therapist has her work cut out for her.

This was a lighthearted yet introspective read, balancing humor with emotional depth. It explores friendship, heartbreak, self-sabotage, and the relentless pursuit of creative dreams. Writers, poetry lovers, and literary enthusiasts will especially appreciate the book’s themes.

⭐ 3.75 stars—an enjoyable, thoughtful read with a touch of chaos and plenty of heart.

You Between the Lines is THAT book. Katie Naymon has crafted a brilliantly inventive, mind-bending, and delightfully meta reading experience that feels less like flipping pages and more like stepping into a literary funhouse mirror.

This book doesn’t just break the fourth wall—it demolishes it, hands you a brick, and asks "Now what?" The interactive and playful storytelling had me questioning reality, my reading habits, and whether I’ve been unknowingly starring in someone else’s plotline this whole time.

Witty, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve read before, You Between the Lines is a bookworm’s dream and a control freak’s nightmare (in the best way). If you love books that surprise you, challenge you, and maybe even mildly roast you—this one’s for you. Highly recommend!

This book was too good! I absolutely loved Will and highlighted just about everything he said. Leigh was such a strong protagonist and reminded me so much of myself. I really enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of an MFA program. Overall this was a cute and fun read with the best main characters.

Sarah Beth Goer did this story so much justice! She did a great job as a solo female narrator with a story with a handful of male characters. With a big focus on poetry in this book, the audio narration brought more emotion to the poems which made me feel more connected to the story

This was cute! The characters were likeable and “real”. The audio version a solo female narrator but I thought she did the male parts well. It was pleasant and easy to follow. I would recommend this as a light- romance read. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC.

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!

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Katie Naymon. Leigh, a previous sorority girl, gets into a prestigious MFA program where she finds out her high school crush, William Langston is in her class as well. She has only seen him once since he graduated high school and that was when he rejected her. He also put down her writing when they had class together in high school and always seems to make her feel inadequate. There is so much tension between the two main characters and it makes you truly root for them to end up together. The narrators did a great job, especially with all the poems in the story when Leigh and William were in class. Overall, a great debut novel for Naymon.

I don’t really have much to say about You Between the Lines. It was just kind of a basic romance in a vast sea of romance novels. There was nothing that set it apart for me.

Two authors that knew each other from school years ago reminded me a bit of Beach Read, and the depression and moodiness of the characters felt a bit like Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.

I thought Leigh was whiny and annoying, and Will was apathetic and broody. Honestly, Leigh’s best friend Jen, who has a very minor role, was my favorite character in the entire book.

You Between the Lines was well written but overall just an okay read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of You Between the Lines.

It took a while for me to truly get sucked into You Between The Lines, but once I did, I absolutely loved it. There were a few points I felt the angst maybe dragged out a bit, or that maybe Leigh was a bit immature for someone who is supposed to be a 27 year old woman, but there was a lot of character growth.

Will and Leigh’s chemistry was great, the story had a few twists I didn’t necessarily expect, and I LOVED the elements of poetry within the book, as a poetry fan and a romance fan. This book might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if you love romance and poetry, I’d highly recommend.

This was a beautiful read. The style, the story, the characters. Katie Naymon can tell a story! Since both MCs were in a writing/poetry program the book was filled with amazing lines and prose. I enjoyed this story from cover to cover.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I thought it was wonderfully narrated. The speaker was understandable and took on the feat of speaking poetry in stride, which can be tricky with timing.

Thank you to Katie Naymon, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC!

You Between the Lines is the debut novel by Katie Naymon. Her biography shares many details with her main character, Leigh Simon. That's probably why the book feels so grounded in details.

Leigh is an only child who loves to write but hates the pretentious people who laud the classics - mainly white, straight literary men. She once loved writing unique, pop-culture poetry, but her high school crush called her classwork "all-style-no-substance." In front of her entire high school creative writing class, Will asked, "What's going on between the lines here?" It's a lovely way to tie the title of the book into the text, and it's nice to see this at the beginning of a book instead of near the end.

So instead of pursuing creative writing, Leigh became a mid-level copywriter for an advertising agency, which she bemoaned as a creativity killer. When her parents announced their separation, processed her emotions by writing poetry. She also begins therapy. She's a people-pleaser and needs praise to build up her confidence. So when her first submission is published in Goldfinch Review, she takes a chance and applies for a prestigious MFA program. The acceptance letter gives Leigh hope that she can fall in love with writing again.

Only five fiction writers and five poets are accepted into the two-year program, and one of her new classmates is none other than her is her high school crush - the man who destroyed her confidence, and in her eyes, rejected her with his criticism. As with every time they're in the same space, Leigh is drawn to William Langston. He's the smart, well-dressed kind of man she's always been drawn to. Unfortunately, her sorority girl attitude and love of pop culture inevitably make her feel inadequate and the types of guys she likes always move on without her. So when Will admits he's attracted to her - with a poem read in class that leaves her overwhelmed with confusion and attraction - Leigh knows they'll never last as a couple. 

You Between the Lines has a lovely thread of sexual tension; it's a beautiful dance of push and pull as both Leigh and Will try to fight their attraction. Hot one minute, cold the next, their relationship is complicated and engaging.

As for the audiobook, Sarah Beth Goer did an excellent job as narrator. Her voice is exactly what I'd picture for Leigh. I don't normally like music at the beginning of an audiobook, but the melodies at the beginning and end of You Between the Lines were a lovely touch.

As a final note, that won't be included in my public book review, I thought the "She can't stand him. He can't forget her." from the cover is deceptive for several reasons, but is enough to encourage a reader to pick up the book.

"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.
Sarah Beth Goer's voice was great for telling this story. She really was able to bring distinction to the characters, capture the emotion of the poetry and tell Leigh's story. The narration was very well done!
Thank you Hachette Audio | 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. Narrator was great, although I would prefer if whispered dialogue is not also whisper narrated since it makes it tough to hear.

You Between the Lines was a solid debut with an engaging academic setting and a compelling rivals-to-lovers dynamic, but it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. Leigh’s journey through the MFA program had a lot of promise, and I enjoyed seeing her push past self-doubt to find her own voice. The tension between her and Will was fun, especially with their shared history and the way poetry became a battleground for their emotions. However, I struggled with Leigh’s constant self-deprecation—while insecurity is understandable, it felt repetitive at times, making it hard to fully connect with her growth. Also as a former sorority girl myself, these women are some of the smartest people I know as well as being super well rounded, so I never like negative stereotypes about women who choose that path. I also felt the commentary on straight white men dominating the poetry world was a bit overdone; the point was valid, but the repetition took away from its impact. That said, I still enjoyed the academic rivalries, the witty banter, and the exploration of what it means to be a "real" writer. A solid debut!

The performance was great and I thought our narrator did an excellent jobs taking on the variety of characters throughout this book despite being the only narrator.