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A review by athenathestorier
Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
It was a simple cozy lesbian romance with protagonists in their 30s. And dare I say that it felt like it? The way that they handled their needs and emotions were so mature. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was prevalent but understated - with an awareness that circumstances made them enemies, not each other.
It also had a potent since of relatability - as a book lover, as a writer, and as someone who's just trying to make their way in the workforce. In fact, the book both served as a lovely romantic escape, and a subtle motivator for my life after closing the book. A rather meta reminder that there's life to tackle once you close the book.
Something else that stood out was the fact that one of our protagonists, an extremely avid book lover, was an extrovert. I, myself, am deeply introverted but I am all too aware that there's a common assumption that extroverts aren't big readers. That they have other things to do. So this was quite refreshing and appreciated.
It also had a potent since of relatability - as a book lover, as a writer, and as someone who's just trying to make their way in the workforce. In fact, the book both served as a lovely romantic escape, and a subtle motivator for my life after closing the book. A rather meta reminder that there's life to tackle once you close the book.
Something else that stood out was the fact that one of our protagonists, an extremely avid book lover, was an extrovert. I, myself, am deeply introverted but I am all too aware that there's a common assumption that extroverts aren't big readers. That they have other things to do. So this was quite refreshing and appreciated.
Possibly inspired by "You've Got Mail" (if I'm understanding that acknowledgements page correctly), I was also reminded in style of the Fandom Hearts series by Cathy Yardley (which is one of my favorite romance series).
Favorite Quotes:
"Books spoke to her on a soul-deep level. They had the power to change lives when someone saw themselves represented on the page for the first time, and nothing made her happier than helping a customer find that connection."
"Sometimes I feel more comfortable with myself behind a keyboard than in person."
"But when she finished the book and put it back on her shelf, she was all alone in her bedroom."
"Her online crush, her real-life crush, and the woman who'd crushed her dreams were all the same person, and her mind was still struggling to snap all the pieces into place."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol