BEHIND ENEMY BYLINES by KATHLEEN FULLER is a most enjoyable romance novel, with an assortment of interesting characters, that takes place in the small town of Clementine and revolves around The Clementine Times, its future and the people who work there. Sebastian Hudson is the owner, editor and publisher and is determined to honour his benefactor and father figure, Buford Wilson, by running the paper the same way he did.
When Jade Smith,who broke his heart ten years ago, is sent by her boss to encourage Seb to sell to him, things get really interesting…….
Add to the mix a spoilt trust fund kid who is sent to Clemetine by her father in order to grow up, and ends up on a newspaper route in the mountains and feeding pigs at her stepmother’s, a spring hoedown, a betrayal, the arrival of Jade’s foster brother which forces her to come clean about her past and take stock of her behaviour, and much more, and you have a really entertaining read!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely ny own.

Behind Enemy Bylines by Kathleen Fuller is a delightful story about a small town romance.

Jade Smith has been assigned to bring the Clementine Times into the fold of the bigger newspapers. But owner Sebastian Hudson is having none of it. And especially since Jade is an ex-girlfriend doing the asking.

I loved this rom-com. Lots of great dialogue, and interesting history between Jade and Seb. Along with Jade's foster brother. Add in Kalista, the spoiled trust fund kid who is sent to spend the summer with her step mother in nowheresville Clementine. There are a lot of lessons to be learned.

The characters were interesting and well written. A sweet clean romance that unfolds with engaging dialogue and a compelling supporting cast.

I voluntarily reviewed a complementary ebook which was I received through NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

This heartwarming story is set in the South, beginning in 1995, when Jade Smith resigns from her accounting position at a local newspaper in Little Rock, Arkansas, to accept a better offer at a newspaper in Atlanta, Georgia. Without much explanation, she leaves behind Sebastian Hudson, a reporter she had been dating.
Having grown up in the foster system, Jade took the position in Atlanta for two important reasons: the higher salary would enable her to adopt her young foster brother. Fast forward ten years—Jade’s adoption plans have not materialized, and now her boss wants her to travel back to a small town in Arkansas to convince the owner of the local paper to sell. That owner is none other than Sebastian, her former boyfriend. Their reunion is far from joyous; in fact, both are reluctant to be in the same vicinity as each other.
The small town of Clementine soon realizes that Sebastian and Jade share a tumultuous history, and the townsfolk make every effort to facilitate a reconciliation. Meanwhile, we also meet Kalista, a young high school graduate from Los Angeles. She has been sent to Clementine by her wealthy father to spend the summer with the first of her four stepmothers. Living a privileged and somewhat spoiled life, Kalista finds herself confronted with unexpected challenges—her phone has been turned off, and she has no access to her credit cards. She is expected to live on a farm and get a job. Kalista adds an interesting twist to the story when the only job available is delivery of newspapers in the early morning hours.
This is a charming small-town story that has many twists and turns along with surprises. I found it hard to put down until the last page was turned. When I see a book by Kathleen Fuller, I know I’m in for delightful, fun read!
I received a compliment copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was such a delight to read!
Wonderful characters that had charm and humor and yes even a serious side to them.
Fuller has done a fantastic job in making these characters realistic, unique and relatable.
I hated to say goodbye to Jade and Seb. I really enjoyed in getting to know them. I thought they were made for each other lol.
They tickled me pink lol.
I couldn't put this story down until it was finished. I read up into the wee hours of the morning but this book was so worth it.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This was a heartwarming story about second chances and redemption. I loved the characters and their development and growth. The plot was well-paced and captivating. I highly recommend this clean and wholesome read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

this book felt like we were learning about a couple of main characters but then we also got to see so much more of the others too. it never took over but the side characters and community all held their own within the plot too. and id definitely want more from them if any future books came to light...
this book gives us Sebastian and Jade. they new each other, possibly loved each other once upon a time. but Jade cant believe in love, definitely not at that point in her life. for all life has told her is that trust noone,believe noone when they care and be your own hero. and she also cant stop until she finally finds that safety she has never had. the safety those who should have always given it never really did. so she left. she left Sebastian. she had to. she felt there was no other choice for her. but in doing so she doesn't even give Sebastian the chance to understand.
now years later Sebastian is in the small community working for a small paper that seems to be feeling smaller all the time,especially on the funds front. but hes held out on selling out and he is determined to keep doing so. he doesn't quite know how but he wont give up.
Jade is near what she feels is mere touching distance of making it. and for her this is it, the final hit, the security she has always craved. she works for a big media company now. and there is just a teeny sticking point(she doesn't know yet) its that she has to go and persuade
the owner of a small town paper to sell. yup, you guessed it folks this is Sebastian paper.
she thinks she can do it. easy. she doesnt feel anything. but Sebastian does...and really so does she and she always did. can she be honest. can they be honest. and can the community group together to offer a sliiiight wiggly helping hand for them both.
this book was full of charm and just goodness. i felt i was being taught something along the way from the chracters. just the pure goodness that echoed off the pages. i loved this book.

This book had it all for me and that was it. I had to read this to see what it was all about. I was not disappointed and enjoyed the content. Enjoyed this book. I want to find more of her books.

Kathleen you wrote such a fun book with this! I can’t wait to recommend this book to people. It was marvelous!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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