Kathleen Fuller’s Behind Enemy Bylines sets up a promising premise: a second-chance romance between small-town columnist Sebastian Hudson and corporate accountant Jade Smith, reunited in 2005 when she returns to Clementine, Arkansas to convince him to sell his beloved paper. With flashbacks to the mid-90s, the book attempts to explore themes of ambition, loyalty, addiction, and family—but unfortunately, the execution never quite comes together.

The romantic leads were hard to root for. Jade is consistently dishonest, impulsive, and bafflingly self-sabotaging, while Sebastian’s defining trait is being a luddite and nostalgic (see: the typewriter he insists on using in 2005). The plot hinges on unnecessary miscommunications and withheld information that could be resolved with one honest conversation. Meanwhile, side characters (like Seb's sister,) are far more interesting and compelling—they at least have personality. Attempts at early-2000s worldbuilding, like repeated references to Nissans or awkward pop culture nods, feel forced rather than immersive.

Kalista, the rich teen from L.A., was nearly insufferable to read. I'm not really sure why the author thought we needed to follow 3 characters/POVs. Her character felt like a cartoon...an overblown stereotype of vanity and selfishness used to prop up a condescending narrative that all big-city people are shallow while rural folks hold a monopoly on morality. The book also had an underlying tone of supporting diet culture. There were several references to needing to eat "healthy" or characters KNOWING they "should" eat a salad but eating something else instead. I'm just personally over that way of thinking and find it toxic and certainly unenjoyable to read.

Ultimately, Behind Enemy Bylines reads like a rough draft of a Hallmark movie that forgot to earn its resolution. It had all the right ingredients—nostalgia, second chances, a quaint setting—but the writing style, character development, and pacing left me frustrated rather than charmed.

Review Title:
A Powerful Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and the Cost of Truth
Review:
Behind Enemy Bylines completely swept me away. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — not just by the fast-paced narrative, but by the emotional depth woven into every scene. It's more than just a war story or a tale of espionage; it’s about what it means to stand up for the truth, even when the cost is everything.
The characters felt real and raw, especially the protagonist. You could feel the tension in their decisions, the fear in their silence, and the fire in their fight. There were moments I had to pause just to breathe — not because the action was too intense, but because the emotional weight hit me that hard.
What I appreciated most was how the story balanced grit with grace. It didn’t glorify war or journalism — it showed them in all their messy, morally complex reality. There were times I felt angry, inspired, and even teary-eyed, especially during those quieter, personal moments that revealed the human side of heroism.
The writing is vivid, cinematic even. You can see the dust, hear the whispers behind enemy lines, and feel the heartbeat of someone carrying a dangerous truth.
Would I recommend this? Absolutely.
If you're looking for a story that thrills you but also stays with you, this is it. It's the kind of book you finish and just sit with for a while — thinking, feeling, and honestly, grateful that stories like this exist.

to start it off, I was intrigued to read this book because of the cover, it really was nice! I liked the mid 2000s shift in this book of newspapers and online publishing too. the lead characters Jade and Sebastian are beautifully written and they are attracted to each other and not just because theyre attractive but theyre actually interested in each other.

Behind Enemy Bylines by Kathleen Fuller. For me it started off slow and took me to midway through to get invested in the characters. This is a small town, second chance romance. Still an enjoyable read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction for this Arc. This is my honest review.

A charming enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a crumbling newspaper industry in the 2000s. Sebastian and Jade—two rival journalists with clashing styles—are forced to work together to save a beloved small-town paper. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter is sharp and satisfying. Kathleen Fuller delivers a heartwarming, slow-burn love story with just the right mix of humor, tension, and heart. Perfect for fans of small-town charm and opposites-attract dynamics.

I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever given a 1* review. I’ve never read this author, but have read several romantic comedies from this publisher. My first red flag was Viv’s comments about modesty to Kalista. I was really disappointed with this because of the way it was delivered so judgementally. Unless it was supposed to be a “historically accurate” representation of the harms of purity culture, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that. This whole scenario could have been handled much better if the point was to show how Viv had changed since modeling. There was also comments about thinness that made me feel uncomfortable knowing a pre-teen or teenager might read this.

There were a few “historical” things that were just bizarrely wrong. No one except elderly moms did aerobics in 2004. Maybe Taebo? Also, LinkedIn was most definitely not around in the 90s. A quick google will show it was founded in 2003. These errors made me wonder if the author was Gen Z trying to pass as older. It was weird.

There was the poor phrasing as well. “He ungainly shifted”?????? Lame tension.

And then her running into a burning building to save the baby was the last straw—particularly that Seb wasn’t irritated at her for risking her life. How did the firefighters not tell her off for being insane????

I was hoping this would be on par with Emma St Clair or Courtney Walsh but not by a million years.

A cute book ! I have read all of Kathleen Fullers books and this was absolutely adorable ! This has a 1990’s-20’s era to it and movie vibe very creative . I highly recommend it when it is released
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers

This book centers on Sebastian and Jade, two people with a complicated past. Once close—maybe even in love—Jade walked away, shaped by a life that taught her not to trust or rely on anyone. She left Sebastian without explanation, chasing the safety and security she never had.

Years later, Sebastian is running a struggling small-town newspaper, refusing to sell out despite financial strain. Jade, now working for a big media company, is sent to convince the paper's owner to sell—only to find it’s Sebastian.

Their reunion stirs up old feelings, though Jade insists she’s moved on. But can they be honest with each other now? Can the tight-knit community offer them the support they didn’t know they needed?

While focused on Sebastian and Jade, the book also beautifully highlights the side characters and the warmth of the community. Full of heart and quiet wisdom, it’s a story about healing, connection, and second chances. The reader is left wanting more from this world.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

What a cute small town contemporary romance! I loved how nostalgic and down to earth this book was - there was no extravagant technological advances, and it was really wholesome to read. I love the small-town and cozy vibes. If you are looking for an easy YA romance read, I would highly recommend. I did not love that the points of view changed mid chapter and am used to other books that will change from chapter to chapter, however, it was nice being able to see a couple different love stories unfold throughout!

I received a complimentary copy of this book given to me by Thomas Nelson Fiction via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book reminded me a lot of the hallmark Christmas movies, and I'm a sucker for those. Personally the beginning was a bit too slow for me, but it really picked up the pace after a while, which I'm very happy about. I'm giving it a 3.5 stars.

Such a cute romcom! It read so smoothly and had me smiling the whole way through. I really enjoyed the story and characters—perfect if you want something light, sweet, and feel-good.

If you are looking for a closed door romance than look no further. The story was very well thought out and full of cute moments!

"I always seem to get in my own way, and that comes from only trusting myself.... I should have let myself do the easiest thing in the world-- allowing you fully into my life. I was a fool. I still am."

3.5 Stars

A sweet, heartwarming story about second chances!

We meet Jade and Sebastian in 1995, where they've just begun a romance but she's also just been offered a job a state away. One that she feels she has to take to adopt her foster brother, Logan. Sebastian is heartbroken when she announces she's leaving and walks off without so much as a glance.

Then we shift 10 years where Sebastian is running a newspaper in Clementine and despite his best efforts his tiny paper is headed toward financial doom. Jade reenters his life, as her employer wants her to convince him to sell his paper. He's surprised to see her after all this time, but also shocked that his feelings haven't gone away.

Jade spends the next days trying to convince Sebastian to sell, all while getting to know him again, but also trying to keep her feelings under control. There's no future for them when (if) she returns to Atlanta... right?

We also meet many side characters in Logan (Jade's foster brother), Tyler (employee at Sebastian's paper), Kalista (snooty rich girl who matures while working at the paper) and Lydia, (Jade's estranged mother).

I think the romance gets a little lost within all of the side characters and subplots. We meet all the characters but we don't get to know any of them well. I almost felt like Kalista's story could have been a sequel book to Jade and Seb's story, instead of pushing them into one novel.

Overall though, this was and enjoyable and quick read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC!

I had mix feelings about this book. It took me a second to start it because I was struggling to connect to the characters. I felt like the characters were likable but not great. Maybe I need to read this book at another time. Plot was okay; not too fast and not too slow. Overall an okay book.

I liked the small town feel of this book but felt that the whole premise upon which Jade goes back to Clementine just doesn’t ring true. Light and enjoyable read.

Love love loves this book!!!!! Quirky and funny met with Hallmark movie vibes. And a little bit of a 90s movie Meg Ryan esq story.

This story was super heartwarming and all about second chances. The characters were great, and I loved seeing them grow. The plot kept me interested the whole way through, and it was just a really fun romcom to read. I’d totally read it again!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this arc.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was good, I love the early 2000s, I really also like how throughout the story, it's almost like they're getting to know a new version of themselves and the other person all over again even if the way they parted the first time, but i will admit the actual storyline was lackluster.
Overall a 2.75⭐

Sometimes the life you planned isn’t the one your heart keeps pulling you back to.

Behind Enemy Bylines is a sweet, Southern small-town romance about two people who thought their story was over—but life has other plans.

Jade left Arkansas chasing stability, a future, and the dream of adopting her little foster brother. Ten years later, she’s sent back to convince her ex—Sebastian—to sell his struggling local paper. Their reunion? Complicated, tense, and filled with all the feelings they’ve spent years burying.

This is a story about missed chances, quiet hopes, and the kind of love that never fully lets go. With a warm setting, lovable side characters, and a whole lot of heart, it’s the kind of book that makes you want to call someone you once loved and say, “Hey… remember us?”

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.

#BehindEnemyBylines #NetGalley
A second chance romance. In 1995 Sebastian Hudson thought he was on top of the world until his girlfriend Jade Smith said she was leaving Arkansas for a job in Atlanta. Now, ten years later Sebastion owns his own newspaper and is trying to hold onto it when it fails to bring in income enough to run the newspaper and pay the staff. Enter Jade Smith, an attorney working for a company that is buying up newspaper businesses. Jade knew that the Clementine Newspaper was owned by her old boyfriend, and so she isn't surprised to find him there. Sebastian however doesn't expect to find Jade out in front of his business. Jade ran away ten years ago because of family drama and was too scared to tell Sebastian why she was leaving' Two hearts that have been broken might not be able to be mended. This book was a little slow and had several side characters that were hard to keep track of..