22 reviews for:

Reading Between the Lines

Nicky James

4.23 AVERAGE

karuwus's review

5.0

---

“You’re safe. I will tear this world apart before I let anyone hurt you. You hear me? You’re okay, Tallus. Please stop freaking out. You’re okay. You’re okay. You’re okay.”

yo, wtf???? the character growth??? i'm so in love with this series, i cannot believe i have to wait until SEPTEMBER to read the next one?? i'll likely have forgotten all details by then, my memory cannot be relied on, ugh.

anyway, fun times.

vora_the_reader's review against another edition

4.0

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

d_mount's review

4.5

emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

thebaxter84's review

4.25

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

karen_reads's review

5.0

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

ashlikes's review

4.25

tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

phoenixspring03's review

4.5

---

Absolutely loved seeing Diem becoming more comfortable with intimacy, even if for reasons less than ideal, and how he's come with his smoking and drinking. Loved how Tallus is with him, patient yet firm. The moment he told Diem he wasn't fragile/weak was perfect.

The mystery was, as usual, intriguing and kept me guessing longer than I'd like to admit. 

The only reason it's lost 0.5 a star is I'm not a huge fan of the flash back/flash forward start and finish of the book, and although I love everything that was summarised in the last chapter, it felt too much telling and not enough showing. I'd gladly had another chapter or two (or five) that showed Tallus talking Diem into

loving together

. 

Brilliant book, one of my favourite couples and I'm already looking forward to book #4

inesmeer's review

4.5

emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

fresholivebread's review

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

Diem and Tallus go out of town to solve a make it or break it case. Their relationship continues to grow, with some lovely physical + emotional development. Diem still struggles, but puts a lot of effort in working on his issues, especially on his aversion and fear of touch. It's so great to see him finally being able to cuddle Tallus and show physical affection without freaking out a lot (the bath scene 🥹). Tallus is still the most patient, caring boyfriend ever; his gentle touch in pushing Diem to confront his fears and his support for him gave me all the swoony feels. 

Diem trying to articulate his feelings and opening up + Tallus' sass, humour and tenderness for Diem are some of the best parts for me. Honestly, I just want to give Diem the biggest hug. The mystery is interesting, chilling and gritty, and the guys tackled it as a team. It all played out well, and Diem/Tallus take giant steps forward.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Physical abuse

Minor: Addiction

actaea's review

3.75

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated