While Read Between the Lines had a cute plot trope and an easy reading style, it unfortunately didn’t do much for me.

One thing I noticed very quickly was that both Leo and Kat were given little detail regarding their physical features. Perhaps this was a deliberate choice on Kerr’s part, as I assume some authors believe a more general description (or rather, a lack thereof) will help readers to form their own impression of who each character is. For me, however, this point, among others, kept me from forming anything but a superficial connection to the characters. Kat remarks about how good looking Leo is multiple times, but never elaborates on her physical attraction, except to say it is compounded by the proximity she often must maintain in various situations with him. So too are Leo and Kat not fleshed out regarding their true personalities and backstories, as their interactions are all the reader is given upon which to understand them. In doing so, the characterization lacks development and Leo and Kat fall flat.

The climax and resolution were anti-climatic and left for the last 5% or less of the novel, which obviously makes it difficult to not rush them. As such, while Read Between the Lines was an okay read, it didn’t do anything for its genre, or for literature as a whole.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC.

Kat works in the library and is a romantic looking for the perfect man. Leo is a retired policeman and hangs about the library trying to figure out what he wants to do. Kat signs up to a local dating agency and has been chatting to someone and thinks it’s the real thing. He tells her he is away at the moment so they never meet up. He then asks for money so Kat gets a bit suspicious. Kat and Leo get into a spat as Leo is so untidy in the library. Definite sparks fly and Leo overhears Kat telling her friend Moria about the scam. He offers to help her and they have to go to the singles events that the dating app set up. As they are trying to find the scammer,they find they are attracted to each other but say nothing. It’s worth a read to find out what happens to them but I did find it was a bit drawn out.

Read Between the Lines by Emily Kerr – ★★★☆☆

This one had a fun setup: Kat, a sweet but overly naïve librarian in Oxford, suspects she’s been catfished on a dating app. She teams up with Leo, a broody ex-cop, to investigate—and, naturally, sparks start to fly.

The Oxford setting and cozy library vibes were great, and I appreciated the bookish atmosphere. But the execution didn’t quite work for me. The writing leaned too literal and chatty, often telling instead of showing, which made the story feel flat. Kat’s inner monologue was a bit rigid, and Leo felt like your standard emotionally distant love interest.

The romance is closed-door and slow-burn, but the chemistry never really clicked for me. The mystery was predictable, and the banter felt more forced than flirty. Still, the second half picked up, and the story wrapped with a tidy, feel-good ending.

If you enjoy light, bookish romances with a touch of mystery and some forced proximity, this could be your cozy afternoon read—even if it didn’t quite wow me.

A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

this was such a cosy, light read that had me excited at first (i mean… library squabbles + a sunshine librarian + a grumpy ex-cop?? sign me up! 💖📚). the premise sounded like the perfect blend of mystery & romance, and i LOVED the oxford setting! it gave me all the nostalgic vibes with its cobbled streets and cute cafés ☕️🏙️.

buuut… i found myself wanting more ✨spark✨ between kat and leo. the romance had promise (hello, slow burn potential! 👀) but it felt like it was missing that extra bit of tension and heat. i enjoyed the mix of slice-of-life moments and gentle investigation, but the chemistry between the leads just didn’t fully deliver to it’s potential for me 🫣.

that being said, it’s a sweet, low-stakes romance that’s perfect for when you want something soft and comforting. if you like cosy contemporary reads with a british twist you will def find something to enjoy here 🇬🇧❤️. i’d totally check out more from this author in the future ✨

I love Kat & Leo! The chemistry and banter are top notch. The story is so sweet and I love a forced proximity rom com. I definitely recommend reading it.

Easy to read and enjoy meet cute. I love a good library/bookstore based novel. Then add a catfishing plot to it? I’m interested. This had literary references, catfishing with a FMC named Kat Fisher, and the comedic relief from an elderly, avid reader who loves smut. Good disengage from reality story.

This was a very sweet read—it was delightfully wholesome and had an enjoyable premise!

I loved the prospect of these two getting together through an investigation and all the hijinks they got up to.

Overall, was a good book.

This is a cozy romance with a touch of mystery.
The story follows a librarian who discovers that her online boyfriend is actually a romance scammer. She teams up with a former police officer to uncover the scammer’s identity.

Pros:
I appreciated the focus on online romance scams and the emotional toll they can take—it’s a meaningful topic that isn’t often explored in romance novels. The mystery element adds an extra layer of intrigue, though the final reveal feels a bit juvenile and lacks impact.

The banter between the main characters is witty and bookish, with clever nods to classic literature, including Jane Austen. Their chemistry is subtle but enjoyable, and the writing is refreshingly strong—much better than some of the Romantasy books I’ve read.

The side characters also stand out, especially the female lead’s colleague. I loved seeing the portrayal of a well-rounded, independent woman with a fulfilling life beyond just romance—career, friendships, and family all included.

Cons:
The pacing is uneven, especially in the latter half, where the plot noticeably slows down. While the mystery is a fun addition, it remains too simplistic to support the entire book. I also found the female lead overly hesitant, which results in a complete lack of spice or romantic tension.

Spice level: Zero

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and author Emily Kerr for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.

So Kat, Liberian single in Oxford, very cautious about love but want the real thing. She decided to sign up for dating app, she thought she did everything she could, make sure it's reputable, has a good vetting system for locals. Even 'met' an awesome guy, and they were supposed to meet, only to be fed the 'scammer line' of, I want to meet you but didn't have any money. Embarrassed, upset, and sad it fuels a fire in her. How can this reputable app allow this to happen. When complaint gone on deaf ears, she enlisted an annoying library patron, former cop, Leo to help.

They go on this journal of uncovering this scammer, and through 'research' such as stakeouts, going on single events, and low-key chases. They started to get to know each other.

Leo's moves are very quiet and subtle, might be too subtle. But Kat finally realizes that she likes him. Now how to let them know. While the entire town is watching this goes down and all but bop both of them on their heads to get it together.

I really want to like the book. I will say the beginning really draw me in with the premise, so current of a topic. But the middle dragged, and the book is only 260-ish pages, not long at all. But the steps to uncover the culprit was too long drawn, the chemistry of Kat & Leo got lost in the middle. So by the time they actually do get together, it wasn't doing anything for me. The end was good though, like I'm seeing the end of a heist when the culprit get busted. But by then, I was invested in the crime solving than in the love story. Like I said, I really wanted to like it, it fizzled out part way.

Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for honest opinion.

I was so intrigued by the synopsis of this one. I loved that our main character worked in a library. The investigation element seemed fun, and a romance along the way too.
However it just didn't hit for me. I found myself disinterested in the investigation, wanting more from the romance and generally not loving the characters.
There were a few moments that I enjoyed in the middle of this books, but the ending felt a bit rushed and some of the dialogue a bit stilted.
Not the book for me unfortunately.

I liked Kat, she really wants to be liked, but is also introverted, as a lot of librarians are.
I felt bad that the guy she goes out with us trying to scam her. But I liked the new interaction with Leo. The romance did move slow but I thought it was a good pace for them.
I liked the mystery and how they were working together.
Overall I thought it was a really cute read.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

This one had a sweet setup—book-loving librarian meets emotionally bruised ex-cop—but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Kat and Leo until very late in the game. Their interactions early on felt more like mildly annoyed acquaintances than two people building toward romance.

Kat was relatable in her hopeless romantic way, and Leo had potential as the grumpy hero with a soft side, but I lost interest in parts because the connection just wasn’t strong enough to keep me fully invested.

That said, the writing was easy to read, and the concept had all the makings of a comforting small-town romcom. It just didn’t deliver the swoons or emotional pull I was hoping for. A solid read, but not one I’d rush to revisit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — This one just wasn’t quite for me, but I can see how it’ll hit for the right reader.

Read Between the Lines had a fun premise and charming moments, but it didn’t fully pull me in the way I like to be. I didn’t feel super connected to the characters or pacing, and I found myself drifting a bit while reading. That said, it’s nothing against the author—Emily Kerr’s writing is solid, it just wasn’t my personal style.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

this was a cute, cozy, and quick read! nothing super memorable, but i did like the mystery aspect - i didn’t find it to be overpowering like in other romance books i’ve read. thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

If you're looking for the perfect combination of romance and crime drama, Read Between The Lines is the book for you. Kerr builds a realistic world with relatable characters, making it easy to get pulled in. While the start is slow, seeing as both MCs are quite reserved, it picks up quickly with excellent banter. Feeling the slow burn build up while the tension of the plot also rises made it so that I couldn't put the book down. While I would have liked to see a bit more of the relationship development at the end, it leaves me hopeful for a sequel!

Emily Kerr has written another delightful and witty tale. A cute story that had me flipping the pages all evening.
So I have to admit I enjoyed this a lot more than I originally expected.
I was hooked once I started. Kerr pulled me and hooked me immediately.
I loved her writing. It flowed so well. And kept me engaged.
Excellent character development, good pacing and a storyline that keeps you engaged. This is a fast, fun and enjoyable read.
So wonderfully written and unbelievably uplifting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)

A cosy, easy read with a sweet setting and a touch of mystery

This was a cute, comforting read — the kind you pick up when you just want something light and heartwarming. I really liked the small village vibes and how bookish it all felt. Kat was such a sweet, sunshiney main character, and Leo brought that classic grumpy energy that balances her out well. I didn’t totally feel the spark between them, but I still enjoyed their dynamic.

The online dating angle added a bit of suspense, though it stayed pretty light and didn’t take over the story. The pacing was on the slower side, so I think it depends on what kind of mood you’re in — it’s not one of those unputdownable reads, but it’s definitely the kind you can curl up with on a quiet afternoon.

Moira and Doris honestly stole the show for me. I kind of wish we got more scenes with them because they were hilarious.

Overall, it didn’t completely wow me, but it was a sweet story with a strong sense of place and a cosy feel. If you like grumpy/sunshine pairings, gentle romance, and small-town charm, you’ll probably enjoy this.

2⭐️ Read Between the Lines follows Kat, a hopeless romantic, sunshiney librarian, and Leo, a former police officer and total grump. The book starts out with Kat ready and excited to meet who she believes might be “the one”, Brian, when he comes home from deployment. Soon the red flags start popping up and Kat becomes suspicious of who Brian really is. This is where our grumpy ex cop Leo steps in and they start their own little investigation. Positives - it’s a cozy, easy, and pretty quick read. However I was so bored. I found the main characters to be completely lacking in chemistry and it felt like one of those couples you read about and think - “oh yeah they’ll be broken up within a year”. While this wasn’t for me I can see people looking for a cozy mysteryish (but light on the investigation aspects), fun read may really enjoy it.

This book was a cosy, comforting read — the kind of book you want to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, preferably with a cup of tea and something sweet nearby.

Set in a charming UK village, the story follows Kat, a sunshiney librarian with a big heart, and Leo, a grumpy ex-cop who’s clearly been through it. I liked them both — Kat especially felt like someone you’d want as a friend — but I have to admit, I didn’t quite feel the zing between them. There were some nice moments, but the chemistry felt a bit muted for me.

The pacing was on the slower side too, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing — just depends what mood you’re in. For me, it was a gentle read, but not one that fully swept me off my feet. That said, I really enjoyed the warm community vibes, the love of books throughout, and the quiet message of second chances.

It didn’t blow me away, but it definitely left me with a soft smile. If you’re after a sweet, low-drama romance with a strong sense of place, this could be your next cosy escape.

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the eARC — always grateful to get the chance to discover new reads!

Really cute romance story. Story about a librarian and an ex cop doing an investigation for a dating website. It's funny, a feel good book.