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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

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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

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

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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.

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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!

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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 💗💗💗

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Poetry meets contemporary romance in this slow-burn love story between two MFA cohorts. For me, a good love story has to have something special... A je ne sais quoi on top of the story of a couple getting together, and this book has it. First of all, I love being thrust into the world of academia-- nerds, unite, I don't care what your major is! Secondly, there is actual poetry in this book-- not just the poems that the characters write, but the language the author herself uses. Languid, delicious imagery. Nouns that cut. Verbs that finish the job. Bravo on this debut! It gave me Ali Hazelwood vibes, but the English major version. Looking forward to more from Katie Naymon.

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i was a little skeptical at first. it started off really slow but maybe because i was never really into poetry or could really dive deep into poetry like that. it was a bit hard for me to get into. however, when things started picking up and how things turned out in the end, i found myself crying tears of joy.

our FMC really frustrated me in regards to her little self worth but i think she had a great character development in the end. the back and forth relationship with the MMC was also a bit frustrating but when they finally gave in to each other, i was relieved and happy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review ♡

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Not my favourite! I honestly found Leigh very annoying and her poetry wasn't good enough for her to be so jealous and grumpy about her cohorts poetry.

This was just a bit too corny at times. I did like the MMC - he was very pathetic about Leigh which what I look for in a romance hero.

Writing was fine, but this was just a run of the mill story for me - nothing new or exciting.

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4.75 stars!!!!!

another debut that has left me floored!! the writing in this book is so beautiful and engaging. while i'm not a poem girlie (sorry katie), i absolutely loved this book!! wooooo there's no crush quite like your high school crush & katie NAILED that feeling !!!! truly. will langford & THE MAN HE IS! love his relationship with leigh so so much and how they care for each other.

i don't usually include quotes in my reviews, but if there's one that calls for it, it's this one.

"will, who's the poem about?"
"who do you think, leigh?"

!!!!!!!! yes that pining and that tension is sooooo real and it is beautifully executed i cannot !!

another thing i absolutely loved about this book was how real and raw leigh's character was. the personal growth she goes through quite honestly hits you in the gut. that feeling of inadequacy, of never being enough, of trying to fit other people's perceptions, it's something we've all struggled with to some extent.

thank you Netgalley & ReadForever for the eARC! this is my honest review.

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I think I was not the target for this book. While I like some academia from time to time, You Between The Lines was very much English lit academia heavy, with classes after classes of writing and poetry, here the kind that makes me feel dumb for not understanding what the writer wants to say (pretty much like Leigh fel at times).
I skimmed some, preferring the parts with interactions of both Will and Leigh. I can still appreciate that this story was well written, it's just that it did not hold much interest for me personally.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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This book hit way too close to home in the best way possible. As a college student who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit second-guessing my place in academic spaces, Leigh’s journey in You Between the Lines felt ridiculously relatable. She’s thrown into this super pretentious MFA program where everyone has read books you’ve only pretended to know, and she’s trying to prove she belongs—who hasn’t been there in some way?

Leigh is hilarious and self-aware, but also painfully honest about her insecurities. She’s not the “perfect poet” stereotype, which makes rooting for her so much more satisfying. And then there’s William, her high school crush-turned-MFA nemesis. Their banter is sharp and cutting, but it’s laced with this undercurrent of unresolved history that had me absolutely hooked. I swear, every time they shared a scene, I was screaming internally, “Just kiss already!”

What really sold me, though, was how real this book feels. It’s about more than just academic rivalries and romance—it’s about figuring out who you are when you’re surrounded by people who seem like they have it all together (spoiler: they don’t). It’s funny, smart, and just a little bit messy, like all the best things in life.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, fallen for someone you shouldn’t, or felt like you were faking your way through something big, you need this book. It’s like a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider trying to make it work.

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perfect for emily henry, abby jimenez stans. katie naymon etches a heartwarmingly beautiful tale of leigh simon. some may hate her, some may love her, but there's a leigh simon in everyone. your knowledge of it depends on how self aware you are.

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Katie Naymon’s debut YOU BETWEEN THE LINES is simply phenomenal! I adored it with my entire poetic English-major heart! 💜 @katienaymonwrites @readforeverpub
The poetry, the PINING, the TENSION!! It was all 🔥 😮‍💨 🫠 Swipe for one of my favorite quotes in the book (and there was a lot of competition!) YBTL releases in February, but you can preorder now to get a headatart on meeting Will & Leigh 💜

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THE GIRLIES SAID BRING BACK YEARNING IN ROMANCE AND KATIE GOT TO WORK

You Between The Lines is a book about poets and the writing in this book really reflected that. Katie Naymon’s writing is beautiful, thoughtful, descriptive, clever, and poetic. I absolutely devoured this book and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I’m actually still thinking about it!! I can’t wait to go back and highlight all my favorite lines.

Leigh is such a relatable and lovable character. I truly saw myself in her. Leigh deals with imposter syndrome, not feeling good enough and molding herself to fit others’ expectations (she’s a mirrorball 🪩) and it’s also something I’ve dealt with my whole life. Leigh was having a session with her therapist and I was literally nodding like ohhhh this is good advice! Her character development was amazing and she does tend to self sabotage at times which made me want to scream but like, I am the same way! And I scream at myself!!!

WILL LANGFORD. He is truly up there with Emily Henry’s book boyfriends for me. I felt the wanting and pining on each page. He is a romance hero of all romance heroes and I absolutely adored how soft he was. Like a gentle, sweet, loving, caretaking man. He is the reason for the word wonderful!!!

If you’re looking for a well written, funny, emotional, and unique romance, please, please read You Between The Lines. This was such a wonderful debut from Katie (who is also a wonderful human) and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. You Between The Lines is out on February 18, 2025 and I will not be shutting up about it!!!

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Katie Naymon delivers an irresistible debut with You Between the Lines, a romantic, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of ambition, identity, and second chances. Leigh, a former sorority girl, surprises even herself when she's accepted into a prestigious poetry MFA program in North Carolina. But her excitement quickly shifts to dread when she realizes her high school crush—and first literary critic—William is not only a classmate but also her biggest rival for the program’s top fellowship.

William, once the source of Leigh’s greatest creative insecurities, has grown into the kind of writer she despises—turtlenecks, Moleskines, and all. Yet as the two clash in workshops and trade poetic barbs, their mutual dislike starts to unravel into something far more compelling. When a personal poem of William’s reveals more about his feelings than he intends, Leigh is forced to confront not just her opinion of him but also her own self-doubt.

With sparkling enemies-to-lovers tension, You Between the Lines perfectly captures the competitive, often pretentious world of MFA programs while offering an accessible and deeply relatable heroine. Fans of Beach Read by Emily Henry will feel right at home with the literary backdrop, sharp banter, and romantic sparks—but this one cranks up the heat a notch. A wonderfully crafted debut, Naymon’s first novel cements her as a voice to watch in the romance genre.

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I absolutely loved You Between the Lines. It is definitely a top read of 2024.

I loved the angst and feelings you felt between Leigh and William. Their characters were so imperfect and flawed you couldn’t help but love them. And I really appreciate that the story showed Leigh working through her anxiety and insecurity with a therapist. I think it’s important to see that mental health should be a priority.

I thought the miscommunication trope worked extremely well for this book. Usually the trope can be annoying because it’s something so small and insignificant keeping the MCs apart. But in You Between the Lines it worked perfectly for all the faults and flaws that Leigh and Will had.

Will and Leigh are poets in a MFA program so there’s a lot of discussion about poetry. I loved learning about poetry. I found myself wanting to dive into the world of poetry after listening to all their appreciation and thoughts in their workshop sessions.

I recommend You Between the Lines if you like:
💜Academic Romance
💜 Enemy to Lovers
💜 Second Chance
💜Mental Health Awareness

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of You Between the Lines in exchange of an honest review.

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I’m so glad I was able to snag an advanced copy of Katie’s debut! You Between the Lines was beautifully written and full of emotion.

It’s the story of Leigh, a sorority girl turned copywriter who was accepted into a prestigious MFA program. When she shows up to the welcome dinner, she finds her high school crush turned nemesis and is sure things can’t get worse.

I was immediately into the story and read the first 75% in one sitting!! I had to see how things would unfold. While I understood Leigh’s motivations and baggage, her character arc fell flat for me. Mostly because I didn’t understand how she could be so insufferable by the end. Will’s past was so interesting and entertaining (in a sad way) and I was happy with the resolution.

I’m so happy I read this and can’t wait to see what Katie puts on in the future!

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Pub Date: February 18, 2025

I will be honest and admit that I often give books I enjoy 5 stars, I’m not stingy with my stars, it is what it is. I’m no professional critic, I never claimed to be.

I need you to trust me though when I say this book is one of the best I’ve read this entire year. This is one of those life altering books. This book held a mirror up to me and said: “This is you, bitch, you should see a therapist.” and I respect that.

I am Leigh and Leigh is me. Holy shit I’ve never identified with a character more in my life down to the parents’ divorce and everything. I, like Leigh, have ALWAYS been insanely concerned with what others think of me. I’ve been a chameleon all my life molding myself to fit in as best as I can to please others. And don’t get me started on the stuff with her parents, I’ll leave that for my future therapist. Just know that the similarities are uncanny, and I have a lot to reflect on.

Gosh, I just loved the vulnerability. They are just two insecure humans who have been through some shit, and are just scared. This book is the perfect portrait of many of us who battle these inner thoughts of insufficiency and self-doubt. This is the first book I’ve ever read by this author, but will by no means be the last. You absolutely MUST read this as soon as it is released in February, preorder NOW!

As always, I am honored to have been able to read this in advance. A huge thank you to Netgalley and Forever for this ARC. 🫶🏻

This book and these characters are going to stick with me for a long time. Thank you so much for writing this, Katie.

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I thought this book was a successful romance novel. It was easy to read and brought the reader into the world of academia and poetry. I will say I grew tired of the POV of the main female character and how she projected her insecurities onto the other characters. She became unlikable while the male lead remained seemingly without flaws —a common pattern in romances. However, I was still invested in the story and satisfied with how it ended. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy lighthearted romance.

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