Great story and story line, the characters made me laugh and it was just pure, definitely recommend reading it.

I love the dynamic between Hayley and Tonya - I feel like they're two very strong women in their own ways, and seeing them come together is a little complicated and very explosive. The love scenes - wow. Just wow. Probably some of the best that I've read, and I really like how there's the push and pull between them two in the bedroom and outside. As always, I love the dialogue that occurs between the characters - not even just the main ones, but I felt like the secondary characters had a purpose in this story, too. I like how Hayley and Tonya were both dealing with their own issues stemming from their families, and it was nice to see how they both handled those issues when it seemed like they would seep into their own relationship. I was a little disappointed that the plot wrapped up so quickly towards the end of the story, it almost felt too easy. I can't wait for the next novel from Williamson!

I’ll be really honest, the first 20% of the book didn't draw me in and I thought about stopping a few times and attempting at a later date but I am so happy I stuck with KD Williamson’s ‘Between The Lines’. Written from the point of view of both main protagonists, Tonya and Haley, we are also bolstered by the interactions of the secondary characters giving us a more in-depth understanding of both these wonderful characters. Now that I have finished the book I understand why the first 20% was all getting to know these characters because the foundation that is laid makes the love story even more potent and I became truely immersed in their story.

The relationship that is built between Tonya and Haley is built with love and support and with the beautiful backdrop of New Orleans. There is this connection that is built between them, slowly at first and then as if it was there all along you understand how their dynamic works. It’s a love story about opposites attracting but when you’re falling in love you discover that you’re not that opposite after all. This slow burn romance really took me by surprise but when they finally get intimate it was truly worth the wait and maybe one of the sexiest love scenes I’ve ever read. Plus it was ‘Packing a Punch’ (excuse the pun)!


Like with the first two books in the ‘Cops and Docs’ series, I was left wanting more however this book is not related to the first two books in the ‘Cops and Docs’ series and is completely stand alone. At first I was a little upset that Kelli and Nora did’t appear in this novel but it certainly didn’t take anything away from it. I just hope that KD allows these characters to continue in another novel because I am definitely not ready to move on from them just yet.

I so have to read the books before this one!

At first I was not amused by this book, because one of the MCs has sex with a not MC, but that's before they are in a relationship and everything.

But then. Oh but then. I really loved the dynamic between Tonya and Haley. It's so much fun to read about them! Okay, it's fun as long as there is no drama (which there is of course), because then I really felt with them. You're in for an emotional rollercoaster.

I enjoyed how other characters play a role in this book as well. Their friends and family are important to them and they are important to this story as well. Plus they have their own personality and background stories. Especially the relationship between Tonya and her sister is an interesting one.

I could tell you so many amazing things about this book, but then I would be spoilering you and I don't want to do that. So... just read it already?

Psychiatrist Dr. Tonya Preston and rookie NOLA PD Officer Haley Jordan nearly meet with a bang when Tonya thwarts an attack in a gas station where off-duty Haley just happens to be. Reserved and responsible, Tonya is shaken, both by the encounter with the would-be assailants and Officer Jordan. As the two continue to run into each other, an attraction builds, and though Tonya is uncomfortable introducing excitement into her otherwise organized life, she can’t help but be drawn to Haley. The two begin a tentative relationship, but Tonya’s family issues and Haley’s professional ones might be too much for their chemistry to handle.

Though I cruised through this book at a slower pace than other works of late, I didn’t enjoy it any less. The chemistry between Haley and Tonya is electric, and their courtship builds great tension and manages to be quite adorable. I liked the characters and the contrast between their backgrounds, professions, and interests made for some great banter. Tonya’s issues with her father reminded me a bit of my own family at times. There’s also a bit of an age difference as well (Haley is early 20s, Tonya is mid 30s), so that creates some more interesting situations as far as interests. I love that Haley is a total nerd, and honestly, I would proudly wear half of her t-shirts.

I did wonder a little over halfway through the book how Williamson was going to continue the action, like maybe things were going a bit too well and that the dramatic tension had been broken, but when a situation arises that involves Haley and Tonya as well as friends and family, it creates a situation that both tests their newfound relationship as well as another strong bond of Haley’s. It moved the story along in an interesting way.

The book is well-written with great characters, both primary and secondary, and it’s interesting to see them develop and react to the difficult situations that pop up. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a lesbian romance that’s not too heavy on the lesbian drama but will keep you interested and leave you satisfied.

4.5 stars

Psychiatrist Dr Tonya Preston is quietly detached at work, clinically guiding people through their crises. However, she is struggling in her personal life to deal with a homophobic and difficult father, and to overcome a traumatic childhood. Ever the responsible one, she is trying to find more room for herself amongst her numerous responsibilities.

New Orleans Police Officer Haley Jordan has a degree in social work behind her, but is the rookie stuck with an obnoxious partner. Her best friend and his wife are her saving grace in the new town, along with the numerous women she beds for light entertainment. Avoiding commitment comes with the keep-it-light attitude that keeps Haley sane.

The two strong women meet during a shootout, and their relationship grows from that one explosive day. How can two so different women, with such difficult work and home lives, find space to nurture their budding relationship?

Williamson has over a decade of experience in the mental health field, and it shows. Her control of the language of psychiatry and understanding of how that field meshes with police work reveals a sound knowledge that comes through her two protagonists.

There is a depth to the characterisations of Tonya and Haley, and a willingness by Williamson to go beyond potentially superficial antagonists in the story. This has kept the story grounded in something more solid than most romances, and I really appreciated how the major relationships developed. This depth also gave the story more weight, without ever feeling heavy. The quality of the writing allowed us into a more complex world without ever feeling overwhelmed by detail or the weight of potential disaster.

Williamson didn’t really use the location as well as she could have done. The story could have been set in any mid to large sized town. New Orleans has many peculiarities and it would have been interesting to see a bit more of that in there to embed the story in the location a bit more.

This was a classy, character-driven narrative. The characters were interesting, including the antagonists, and all were well written. The plotlines intersected well and it was a treat to read. I highly recommend this as a lesbian romance with a bit more depth than normal. Enjoy.

Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I haven't read the first two books in the series, but it's a stand-alone story, so I didn't miss it.
It started very slow and took a long time for the relationship to develop and the action to catch up.
It's not completely my kind of story, but it's well written, the struggles are realistic and the love scenes are hot.

This is the third book in the author's series Cops and Docs. The characters are new so it can be read as a stand alone novel. Written from the point of view of both main characters, the plot presents the story of rookie butch cop Haley and psychiatrist femme Tonya who meet in dire circumstances which triggers a series of events that include their romantic involvement. However, there is more to this book that the romance, there is a good amount of personal instrospection, family problems, identity struggles and trust issues. Throughout the book, the main characters explore their own conflicts as well as their slow burn relationship. Their relationship dynamic is clearly butch-femme, very stereotipical. It is not my favourite in terms of lesbian romances but the author pulls it well. The secondary characters support the story with realism in the main plot and subplots.

Overall, a good read if you are looking for a butch-femme romance with some personal angst. 4 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is terrific!

Tonya is a physicatrist who is closed off from her father after a series of childhood traumas. Her mother was bipolar and Tonya was left having to take care of her mother until her death. Tracy, Tonya's younger sister, was the sibling who received all the attention from her father. Tonya was unfairly placed in charge of having to be the caretaker for her family. Tonya's sexuality is a major issues with her father. and he now lives with her. Tonya is also paying for her Tracy's college.

Haley is younger than Tonya and is a rookie on the police force. She saves Tonya and they start to share an interest as Haley beings to purse Tonya. Haley must break through Tonya's walls and slowly and surely Tonya begins to trust Haley.

I don't want to spoil the rest but Haley is thrown into difficult situations at work and Tonya's father is causing a lot of problems and this leads to a lot of drama around the romance.

The author beautifully navigates sharing Tonya's struggles and shows her courage on how she moves past emotional walls to open her heart again to her friends and herself. Haley starts to mature and is very wise in how she shares with Tonya and is often kind, funny and sweet.

I really enjoyed this book! It could easily have gotten off track, but instead it is wonderfully written with humor, emotional insight, youth and maturity blended into a wonderful story!

I highly recommend this book!