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River Valley Teacher's Lounge #3
Between the Lines
Nathan Caged bird.
Claire Unclipping her wings.
I’ve never been given the chance to grow up. As a live-in nanny for my parents, my college degree may as well be used as an extra rag to clean up the messes of my four younger siblings. When I’m finally given the opportunity to spread my wings as a long-term substitute at my old middle school, the question What do I want to be when I grow up if “growing up” is quickly passing me by?
Enter Nathan Assistant Principal. Despite our initial clashing, I can’t resist the pull that keeps bringing us together. There is a soft, kind side to him that he doesn’t let anyone else see. And when the noise in my own home gets to be too loud, he welcomes me into the comfort of his. I don’t want to let go. But sneaking around with a boss who has almost a decade on you has its own set of consequences.
Nathan and I could have the futures we’ve never been allowed to have if we could just learn to stop reading between the lines.
Claire Unclipping her wings.
I’ve never been given the chance to grow up. As a live-in nanny for my parents, my college degree may as well be used as an extra rag to clean up the messes of my four younger siblings. When I’m finally given the opportunity to spread my wings as a long-term substitute at my old middle school, the question What do I want to be when I grow up if “growing up” is quickly passing me by?
Enter Nathan Assistant Principal. Despite our initial clashing, I can’t resist the pull that keeps bringing us together. There is a soft, kind side to him that he doesn’t let anyone else see. And when the noise in my own home gets to be too loud, he welcomes me into the comfort of his. I don’t want to let go. But sneaking around with a boss who has almost a decade on you has its own set of consequences.
Nathan and I could have the futures we’ve never been allowed to have if we could just learn to stop reading between the lines.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 18, 2025
I’m going to give this five stars despite the fact that the ending was way too rushed. I loved Nathan and Claire all throughout the book, I loved that they just hung out together and just could sit in silence reading together.
I was very disappointed about the third act break up. I really don’t think it was needed at all, and the fact that it was a month was very annoying. And then as soon as they make up, we get the epilogue which did nothing for Nathan and Claire, it was aimed at setting up for the next book which I HATE !! and I do feel that Nathan should’ve had to apologize more than he did. While I don’t necessarily think he needed to grovel because he didn’t break up with Claire to hurt her, I do think he needed to apologize more. I am just very very very irritated by their unnecessary break up, and lack of (proper) epilogue
I was very disappointed about the third act break up. I really don’t think it was needed at all, and the fact that it was a month was very annoying. And then as soon as they make up, we get the epilogue which did nothing for Nathan and Claire, it was aimed at setting up for the next book which I HATE !! and I do feel that Nathan should’ve had to apologize more than he did. While I don’t necessarily think he needed to grovel because he didn’t break up with Claire to hurt her, I do think he needed to apologize more. I am just very very very irritated by their unnecessary break up, and lack of (proper) epilogue
May 25, 2024
I am obsessed with Nathan and Claire (and all of the RV characters!). I’ll admit, I hadn’t ready any of Ally Marie’s other books before receiving this ARC from her. But, I will be remedying that as soon as I can. There’s just something really beautiful about the way that she writes - it feels real and connected.
Between the Lines was fun, sexy, and heartwarming all at once. I didn’t expect to fall in love with Nathan as quickly as I did, and to watch him open up and learn what he deserved in life was incredible. Claire was adorable and quirky - and I could feel parts of her that I identified with in my own ways. It was amazing to watch these two people fall in love (and fight for it, too).
I’m so happy I read this one - in just a few days, too. Once you pick it up and get sucked into the drama of this book, you won’t be able to put it down either!
The book is available in just FIVE days - make sure you grab a copy!!
Between the Lines was fun, sexy, and heartwarming all at once. I didn’t expect to fall in love with Nathan as quickly as I did, and to watch him open up and learn what he deserved in life was incredible. Claire was adorable and quirky - and I could feel parts of her that I identified with in my own ways. It was amazing to watch these two people fall in love (and fight for it, too).
I’m so happy I read this one - in just a few days, too. Once you pick it up and get sucked into the drama of this book, you won’t be able to put it down either!
The book is available in just FIVE days - make sure you grab a copy!!
May 21, 2024
First: I love this series. I love this friend group. I keep loving each couple more and more.
Second: I really appreciate that there has been people with glasses in this series. Most authors do not think about it, sometimes its just the little details.
Third: This story is so good. A new Assistant Principal and a Substitute Teacher. A lot of family pressure, real and self inflicted. A lot of personal growth for the both of them. They grow together and individually. This is one of my new favorite books.
(Sorry if this was not a lot of help. This was my first real review, I’m not great with articulating my thoughts on what I read.)
Second: I really appreciate that there has been people with glasses in this series. Most authors do not think about it, sometimes its just the little details.
Third: This story is so good. A new Assistant Principal and a Substitute Teacher. A lot of family pressure, real and self inflicted. A lot of personal growth for the both of them. They grow together and individually. This is one of my new favorite books.
(Sorry if this was not a lot of help. This was my first real review, I’m not great with articulating my thoughts on what I read.)
May 29, 2024
Sweet sweet Nathan! I so loved watching Nathan and Claire grow in their own lives and grow together!!! I feel cuddled up in a blanket cocoon in Nathan’s study after reading this! I’m a sucker for a buttoned up broken man what can I say !
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
💖💖💖💖💖/5
Thanks to Allie Marie for an eARC in return for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
💖💖💖💖💖/5
Thanks to Allie Marie for an eARC in return for an honest review.
November 14, 2024
Lo que más me gustó es que los protagonistas intentan evitar la falta de comunicación y reconocen formas de ayudar a sus estudiantes y amigos. Fue divertido verlos sortear su romance prohibido mientras también aprenden que ambos merecen abrazar sus vidas. Una historia ligera y de ritmo rápido con personajes agradables y una trama entretenida.
May 18, 2024
Thank you so much to Allie for the ARC!
--
Allie Marie has a wonderful, unique storytelling ability that draws me in, without fail, every single time. In every novel, she weaves together dynamic characters, intricate storylines, difficult/important issues, emotional romance, and SPICE!! With each new addition to the River Valley Teacher's Lounge, I find myself craving more. More time with each character, more information about the world she's crafted, more romance, more spice, more everything! I truly never want this series to end.
Between the Lines (BTL) battles head to head with some of my favorite books including Funny Story by Emily Henry, Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent, and Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young. What enjoyed the most about BTL was the raw vulnerability shown by both Claire and Nathan, as well as the personal growth they made throughout the novel. Claire, learning to harness her voice, standing up for herself, and choosing for the first time in her life to prioritize her happiness instead of constantly sacrificing herself for the sake of others. Nathan, recognizing that it is not weakness to lean on others for support, granting himself permission to be happy, and finally working to move through the past instead of burying himself alive in a crypt of grief, anger, and despair.
BTL covers hard topics, As always, Allie does a masterful job of bringing light to these very real issues. I always enjoy how the conflicts her characters struggle with are never fully resolved or tied up neatly with a bow at the end of the book, because life never really works like that. Not to say there isn't a happy ending. More that these characters receive the most realistic happy ending. The epilogues usually contain a golden thread, that we the readers, hope will eventually lead to more healing and peace for our beloved leads. And in my opinion, hope for the future is the best ending.
BTL also continues the trend of emotional mature and secure leads falling in love, respecting/setting boundaries, and displaying healthy communication styles. This made me think BTL should perhaps be relabelled as fantasy. (Just kidding but man the bar is so low.) I would like to start a new genre of books titled 'Men written by women who emulate vibrant masculinity and regularly go to therapy'. All of Allie Marie's books would obviously lead the charge there.
Continuing with the good, the romance as always is top tier. I appreciate the length, as the level of detail made me truly believe in Nathan and Claire's love. Watching them expose their individual vulnerabilities and come together was something indescribably beautiful. And the spice.... zoo wee mama don't read this unless you're reading to BLUSH. Kicking my feet, locking the door kind of spice. Easily 3.5/5 chili peppers, so not for the faint of smut heart.
My only qualm with this book is that I am not able to dropkick certain people across the ocean (Don).
Anyways, this has become a long review. Love this book, love this series, SO excited for the next one!! Thank you again for the ARC and God Bless the River Valley Teacher's Lounge.
--
Allie Marie has a wonderful, unique storytelling ability that draws me in, without fail, every single time. In every novel, she weaves together dynamic characters, intricate storylines, difficult/important issues, emotional romance, and SPICE!! With each new addition to the River Valley Teacher's Lounge, I find myself craving more. More time with each character, more information about the world she's crafted, more romance, more spice, more everything! I truly never want this series to end.
Between the Lines (BTL) battles head to head with some of my favorite books including Funny Story by Emily Henry, Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent, and Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young. What enjoyed the most about BTL was the raw vulnerability shown by both Claire and Nathan, as well as the personal growth they made throughout the novel. Claire, learning to harness her voice, standing up for herself, and choosing for the first time in her life to prioritize her happiness instead of constantly sacrificing herself for the sake of others. Nathan, recognizing that it is not weakness to lean on others for support, granting himself permission to be happy, and finally working to move through the past instead of burying himself alive in a crypt of grief, anger, and despair.
BTL covers hard topics, As always, Allie does a masterful job of bringing light to these very real issues. I always enjoy how the conflicts her characters struggle with are never fully resolved or tied up neatly with a bow at the end of the book, because life never really works like that. Not to say there isn't a happy ending. More that these characters receive the most realistic happy ending. The epilogues usually contain a golden thread, that we the readers, hope will eventually lead to more healing and peace for our beloved leads. And in my opinion, hope for the future is the best ending.
BTL also continues the trend of emotional mature and secure leads falling in love, respecting/setting boundaries, and displaying healthy communication styles. This made me think BTL should perhaps be relabelled as fantasy. (Just kidding but man the bar is so low.) I would like to start a new genre of books titled 'Men written by women who emulate vibrant masculinity and regularly go to therapy'. All of Allie Marie's books would obviously lead the charge there.
Continuing with the good, the romance as always is top tier. I appreciate the length, as the level of detail made me truly believe in Nathan and Claire's love. Watching them expose their individual vulnerabilities and come together was something indescribably beautiful. And the spice.... zoo wee mama don't read this unless you're reading to BLUSH. Kicking my feet, locking the door kind of spice. Easily 3.5/5 chili peppers, so not for the faint of smut heart.
My only qualm with this book is that I am not able to dropkick certain people across the ocean (Don).
Anyways, this has become a long review. Love this book, love this series, SO excited for the next one!! Thank you again for the ARC and God Bless the River Valley Teacher's Lounge.
June 2, 2024
Oh. My. God.
I devoured this book. It was phenomenal.
I was so so grateful to receive an ARC and even though I had never read anything by Allie Marie, the blurb alone was enough to tell me I would enjoy this book.
I couldn’t read it fast enough. It was lush, and I wanted to drink it up like a milkshake. Both Claire and Nathan were very compelling characters with fiery chemistry that had me blushing just as much as they did!
Even though it was the third book in this series, (which I will now be going back to read the first two) I didn’t feel out of the loop. I assume the friends were all characters from the first two books but I didn’t NEED to know their stories to enjoy this one.
Allie Marie you write romantic tension like a goddess. Truly it was intoxicating to read the pining between these two characters. The character development too?? Insane. They were perfect foils of each other. They supported each other and it was truly such a beautiful story.
The spice was delightful and while it wasn’t overwhelming, it was very prevalent. The plot carried its own though, and I truly cared about the characters and their fates. My heart broke for Nathan and the guilt he carried. And I wanted to give Claire’s parents a stern talking to.
All in all I thought this was an absolutely fantastic book and I will without a doubt be reading more of Allie Marie! This might be one of my favorites of 2024 so far!
I devoured this book. It was phenomenal.
I was so so grateful to receive an ARC and even though I had never read anything by Allie Marie, the blurb alone was enough to tell me I would enjoy this book.
I couldn’t read it fast enough. It was lush, and I wanted to drink it up like a milkshake. Both Claire and Nathan were very compelling characters with fiery chemistry that had me blushing just as much as they did!
Even though it was the third book in this series, (which I will now be going back to read the first two) I didn’t feel out of the loop. I assume the friends were all characters from the first two books but I didn’t NEED to know their stories to enjoy this one.
Allie Marie you write romantic tension like a goddess. Truly it was intoxicating to read the pining between these two characters. The character development too?? Insane. They were perfect foils of each other. They supported each other and it was truly such a beautiful story.
The spice was delightful and while it wasn’t overwhelming, it was very prevalent. The plot carried its own though, and I truly cared about the characters and their fates. My heart broke for Nathan and the guilt he carried. And I wanted to give Claire’s parents a stern talking to.
All in all I thought this was an absolutely fantastic book and I will without a doubt be reading more of Allie Marie! This might be one of my favorites of 2024 so far!
June 2, 2024
This series is the definition of sweet and spicy! Allie always gets you with the tear-out-your-heart backstories,and then she hits you with the steamiest scenes you’ll ever read.
Nathan is a wildcard between his grumpy exterior, sweet caring possessive side and his need to be in control… he also seems to love Dr.Pepper as much as I do! Claire’s journey to finding independence was uplifting and her communication skills were fantastic. My favorite characters were Zoey and Penelope. They both had well written funny personalities even as side characters, and the sass they both armored is admirable.
The call backs to the past MC’s of the previous books in the series are so fun! Being able to check up on my favorite characters feels so special!
Loved the lead into the next book! Penelope and Ant aka Tony will be a good one, I can tell already.
Thank you for the ARC! ❤️
Nathan is a wildcard between his grumpy exterior, sweet caring possessive side and his need to be in control… he also seems to love Dr.Pepper as much as I do! Claire’s journey to finding independence was uplifting and her communication skills were fantastic. My favorite characters were Zoey and Penelope. They both had well written funny personalities even as side characters, and the sass they both armored is admirable.
The call backs to the past MC’s of the previous books in the series are so fun! Being able to check up on my favorite characters feels so special!
Loved the lead into the next book! Penelope and Ant aka Tony will be a good one, I can tell already.
Thank you for the ARC! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
Man Allie Marie just never misses, does she??? This is the third installment in the River Valley series, and such a wonderful addition!!! One of my favorite things that this author does is really give us characters that feel real. They have real emotions, real problems, and they deal with them in a very real way. I feel as though a lot of authors try so hard to include these areas where their characters feel or experience trauma in some way, but then it just gets swept under the rug. Not Allie though, and this book was a clear example of that as well. Overall, this was a very good book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!! BIG BIG THANKS to the team for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2024
Allie Marie does it again with another heart filled story of two people who have spent their lives taking care of others. Claire and Nathan both have raised their siblings, and are feeling the burnout of the mental load. They’ve never lived for themselves. Now, they discover a relationship in each other that’s forbidden but what both of them need.
I loved their dynamic with each other, and how it never felt uncomfortable boss/employee dynamic. Nathan was a sweet soft-dom, and I know people love childfree by choice focused love stories.
I can’t wait for book 4!
I loved their dynamic with each other, and how it never felt uncomfortable boss/employee dynamic. Nathan was a sweet soft-dom, and I know people love childfree by choice focused love stories.
I can’t wait for book 4!
June 25, 2024
is a captivating blend of mystery and historical fiction. Set in a small, quaint town, the story follows an amateur sleuth uncovering dark secrets hidden for decades. The characters are well-developed, making readers care deeply about their fates. Marie's writing style is engaging and descriptive, pulling you into the world she has created. The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end. It's a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also offering moments of heartfelt emotion. A great read for fans of mystery and history."
May 25, 2024
I went into this book expecting a nice fluffy romance. Instead, there were gut-wrenching real-life situations that made this an amazingly real read. Nothing superficial to see here!
The growth in these two main characters was next level. Claire escaping her parents, Nathan escaping his past.
This story was justvso beautifully done.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but everyone else can find it from May 30th!
The growth in these two main characters was next level. Claire escaping her parents, Nathan escaping his past.
This story was justvso beautifully done.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but everyone else can find it from May 30th!
May 25, 2024
There’s something so delicious about a story about two really good and kind people getting the love they deserve. Nathan and Claire were absolutely fantastic characters that I immediately connected with and liked. Both had the weight of the world on their shoulders when they met with so many responsibilities (some beyond their control, some of their own choices), and it was like meeting each other made them realize they could take time for themselves to be happy once in awhile. I loved Claire’s journey in figuring out her life on her own terms.
I really, really, really liked this book. I had total full body shivers and squeals of joy while reading it. I definitely teared up in parts and laughed out loud in others. I recommend reading the first two in the River Valley Teacher’s Lounge series because they’re amazing, but technically you could read this as a stand alone. Each book in this series so far has had a perfect combination of emotional weight, friendship, humor and spiciness. I think maybe this book has a touch more steamy scenes than the other books and that is NOT a complaint! 😜 Every single sexy scene was hot hot hot. Sometimes spicy scenes can overtake a book but this had the “just right” amount and had so much love and connection infused with them. ❤️ The set up for the next book was fantastic and I’m already excited about reading it!
Tropes- forbidden romance (boss & employee), age gap, found family
Thank you so much to Allie Marie for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really, really liked this book. I had total full body shivers and squeals of joy while reading it. I definitely teared up in parts and laughed out loud in others. I recommend reading the first two in the River Valley Teacher’s Lounge series because they’re amazing, but technically you could read this as a stand alone. Each book in this series so far has had a perfect combination of emotional weight, friendship, humor and spiciness. I think maybe this book has a touch more steamy scenes than the other books and that is NOT a complaint! 😜 Every single sexy scene was hot hot hot. Sometimes spicy scenes can overtake a book but this had the “just right” amount and had so much love and connection infused with them. ❤️ The set up for the next book was fantastic and I’m already excited about reading it!
Tropes- forbidden romance (boss & employee), age gap, found family
Thank you so much to Allie Marie for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
This is a forbidden romance between Nathan, the vice-principal of the school where Claire is a long-term substitute.
Both Claire and Nathan act like pseudo-parents for their siblings and have some trauma of their own.
Nathan acts tough but lowers all his defences for Claire. He shares his guilts and trauma with her and lets her see the parts of him he doesn't want others to see.
Claire is treated as a live-in nanny by her parents who expect her to take care of her four younger siblings while they enjoy their professional and social lives. She doesn't really get any free time apart from her job and unpaid-nanny duties and books are her only escape.
With the support from her friends, Claire starts to think about her future and her goals in life. I loved her friend group who were all so supportive of each other.
Nathan realises he doesn't need to keep his feelings bottled up and sharing his feelings will make him feel lighter. I was proud of both him and Claire for overcoming their issues and supporting each other through it.
Overall, it was a swoony and heart-warming book that had me grinning and smiling throughout. Also the spice was too hot to handle🥵
This was my first book by Allie and it did not disappoint! It's the third book in the River Valley Teacher's Lounge series but can be read as a standalone. I will be reading the previous books and can't wait for the next book💖
Thank you so much Allie Marie for this ARC copy!
Both Claire and Nathan act like pseudo-parents for their siblings and have some trauma of their own.
Nathan acts tough but lowers all his defences for Claire. He shares his guilts and trauma with her and lets her see the parts of him he doesn't want others to see.
Claire is treated as a live-in nanny by her parents who expect her to take care of her four younger siblings while they enjoy their professional and social lives. She doesn't really get any free time apart from her job and unpaid-nanny duties and books are her only escape.
With the support from her friends, Claire starts to think about her future and her goals in life. I loved her friend group who were all so supportive of each other.
Nathan realises he doesn't need to keep his feelings bottled up and sharing his feelings will make him feel lighter. I was proud of both him and Claire for overcoming their issues and supporting each other through it.
Overall, it was a swoony and heart-warming book that had me grinning and smiling throughout. Also the spice was too hot to handle🥵
This was my first book by Allie and it did not disappoint! It's the third book in the River Valley Teacher's Lounge series but can be read as a standalone. I will be reading the previous books and can't wait for the next book💖
Thank you so much Allie Marie for this ARC copy!
May 25, 2024
“I don’t want you to have to read between the lines when it comes to us.”
I love the River Valley Teachers Lounge series so much! Each book has been full of an amazing teachers community and perfect couples.
Claire Benson is a new long term sub at River Valley. She spends all her time raising her siblings while her parents live their lives. Nathan Harding is the new Assistant Principal who has left teaching for the small pay raise that comes with the administration job. He has spent a majority of his life supporting his younger brother and putting his dreams on hold. Claire is pure sunshine while Nathan is serious to his core.
“This quiet, serious man, whose edges don’t seem to align anywhere, fits perfectly into the palm of my hands, perfectly into the angles of my body.”
Watching the two navigate their forbidden romance while also learning that they both deserve to embrace their lives was so much fun to see. I loved the sneaking around and the quiet times they spent simply being with each other.
“I had no idea what love could be like until he walked into my life with a scowl on his face.”
Claire and Nathan are the perfect addition to the Teachers lounge. But I am sooo excited for the couple that’s coming next!
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Why don’t you be a good girl and suck what you did?”
I love the River Valley Teachers Lounge series so much! Each book has been full of an amazing teachers community and perfect couples.
Claire Benson is a new long term sub at River Valley. She spends all her time raising her siblings while her parents live their lives. Nathan Harding is the new Assistant Principal who has left teaching for the small pay raise that comes with the administration job. He has spent a majority of his life supporting his younger brother and putting his dreams on hold. Claire is pure sunshine while Nathan is serious to his core.
“This quiet, serious man, whose edges don’t seem to align anywhere, fits perfectly into the palm of my hands, perfectly into the angles of my body.”
Watching the two navigate their forbidden romance while also learning that they both deserve to embrace their lives was so much fun to see. I loved the sneaking around and the quiet times they spent simply being with each other.
“I had no idea what love could be like until he walked into my life with a scowl on his face.”
Claire and Nathan are the perfect addition to the Teachers lounge. But I am sooo excited for the couple that’s coming next!
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Why don’t you be a good girl and suck what you did?”
May 20, 2024
This was a wonderful third installment of Allie Marie’s River Valley Teacher’s Lounge series. I’ve read the first two and was excited to get the ARC for this one, thank you Allie!
Where do we start with Nathan and Claire? Your heart immediately goes out to Claire – she’s a people pleaser down to her bones and she wants to make sure everything she does is exactly right. Waking up Nathan, who we find out later is not a morning person, very early on the first day of school does not bode well for their future interactions.
We soon learn they both have baggage they carry from being pseudo parents for their siblings. Claire because she is the first example of first born/eldest daughter syndrome I’ve read in a book. Her parents take over her life, literally, to help them raise her siblings. She does it gracefully and with much love and affection – but there is a toll on her self-esteem and relationships outside the family. Nathan because both his parents died in a car accident that he blames himself for and raises his younger brother. These similarities help build a foundation for a relationship between them, because they both seem to intuitively know what the other needs.
I loved their story, and seeing the characters from the last two books make appearances to help these two along on their journey.
Where do we start with Nathan and Claire? Your heart immediately goes out to Claire – she’s a people pleaser down to her bones and she wants to make sure everything she does is exactly right. Waking up Nathan, who we find out later is not a morning person, very early on the first day of school does not bode well for their future interactions.
We soon learn they both have baggage they carry from being pseudo parents for their siblings. Claire because she is the first example of first born/eldest daughter syndrome I’ve read in a book. Her parents take over her life, literally, to help them raise her siblings. She does it gracefully and with much love and affection – but there is a toll on her self-esteem and relationships outside the family. Nathan because both his parents died in a car accident that he blames himself for and raises his younger brother. These similarities help build a foundation for a relationship between them, because they both seem to intuitively know what the other needs.
I loved their story, and seeing the characters from the last two books make appearances to help these two along on their journey.
May 25, 2024
Allie Marie is one of my favorite authors, and this book definitely did not disappoint! It was a great continuation in her River Valley series. She does a great job of balancing her previous characters, while still focusing on the main couple. I did not anticipate loving Nathan Harding, but his journey towards accepting the past was just too easy to love. And Claire learning to stand up for herself? Pure gold. I will say that I think Lucy and Aaron are still my favorites, but that will be OVER once the next book comes out. It’s been a long time since there’s been a cliffhanger that left me shook and wanting for more!! Read this book!
May 23, 2024
This was the first book I read in this series and I absolutely loved it! It can be read as a standalone, but after meeting the entire friend group I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series. I adored Claire and Nathan. It was refreshing to read something that doesn't heavily rely on miscommunication to drive the plot. Nathan and Claire were pretty direct communicators and I enjoyed seeing two characters with a lot of baggage work through their problems together. Claire and Nathan both shoulder a big burden when it comes to their siblings but in different ways. Their struggles brought them together and I loved how they supported one another.
What to expect:
-Age Gap
-Forbidden Romance
-Secret Relationship
-Workplace (Assistant Principal/ Substitute Teacher)
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Found Family
I loved Allie Marie's writing and was completely invested in the story from the start. Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What to expect:
-Age Gap
-Forbidden Romance
-Secret Relationship
-Workplace (Assistant Principal/ Substitute Teacher)
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Found Family
I loved Allie Marie's writing and was completely invested in the story from the start. Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2024
Thank you to Allie Marie for choosing me to receive an ARC of Between the Lines!
If you love found families, sweet book nerds, age gap romances, forbidden relationships, and definitely some spice this book will absolutely be for you! Full disclosure, I have read the 1st book in the River Valley series but not the 2nd but this book can easily be read as a standalone.
I loved reading Claire and Nathan’s story as they found comfort and confidence in one another. They opened up and supported each other into putting themselves first after a life of taking care of others.
“Maybe we were only ever meant to be chapters in each other’s books, not the rest of the story.”
Allie almost broke me with this line 😭 I knew Nathan and Claire would end up together but this sentiment is so true!
If you love found families, sweet book nerds, age gap romances, forbidden relationships, and definitely some spice this book will absolutely be for you! Full disclosure, I have read the 1st book in the River Valley series but not the 2nd but this book can easily be read as a standalone.
I loved reading Claire and Nathan’s story as they found comfort and confidence in one another. They opened up and supported each other into putting themselves first after a life of taking care of others.
“Maybe we were only ever meant to be chapters in each other’s books, not the rest of the story.”
Allie almost broke me with this line 😭 I knew Nathan and Claire would end up together but this sentiment is so true!
May 25, 2024
Allie has knocked this one out of the park. While I enjoyed the previous two installments, this one really hit the spot. Grumpy, buttoned up, bespectacled men are my weakness. The growth from both characters was evident from beginning to end, as well as them *mostly* communicating with each other throughout.
Can't wait to read Penelope and Antony's story next.
Thanks to Allie Marie for an eARC in return for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
Can't wait to read Penelope and Antony's story next.
Thanks to Allie Marie for an eARC in return for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
June 1, 2024
What a cute little teacher-centered romcom!
Claire, who has been a live in nanny for her 5 younger siblings for years, has taken on a new role, long term substitute at the local middle school. In comes the new assistant principal, Nathan, who is strait laced and doesn’t really want the job but needs the income it provides to afford his parent’s house. Which, is beyond relatable for me as a teacher.
This was so fun to see them grow together as they both worked through their family issues and grew together. Of course, it was also refreshing to see both main characters talk through their feelings and emotions.
Overall a solid read and I truly enjoyed it!
Thanks to Allie Marie for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Claire, who has been a live in nanny for her 5 younger siblings for years, has taken on a new role, long term substitute at the local middle school. In comes the new assistant principal, Nathan, who is strait laced and doesn’t really want the job but needs the income it provides to afford his parent’s house. Which, is beyond relatable for me as a teacher.
This was so fun to see them grow together as they both worked through their family issues and grew together. Of course, it was also refreshing to see both main characters talk through their feelings and emotions.
Overall a solid read and I truly enjoyed it!
Thanks to Allie Marie for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
June 10, 2024
4.5 stars for my favorite book in this series yet! claire and nate rocked it!
May 30, 2024
Middle school was perhaps not the best time for a lot of us, but the very swoony workplace romances in Allie Marie’s River Valley Teacher’s Lounge books will give you a whole new appreciation for it.
The third book in this series of interconnected stand-alones, Between the Lines follows Claire, a chipper long-term substitite teacher in her early 20s, and Nathan, the oh-so buttoned-up assistant principal who is a decade older than her and always assumes she’s not taking anything seriously.
But after a chance meeting at the public library involving Claire’s precocious little sister and a game of chess, Nathan realizes his assumptions about Claire are extremely wrong. From there, the book embarks on a deeply emotional dual-journey as Claire and Nathan get to know each other and realize they are both carrying a lot of family-centric trauma and bond over their shared love of reading in a home library ripped out of bookish dreams.
But it isn’t all trauma-bonding and angst – there is tons of chemistry and tension, and this book gets seriously spicy. Let’s just say Nathan has a mouth on him and a predilection with a very vital pulse point.😎
If you’ve read the other books in the series, then you’ll be very pleased to know you’ll see characters you already know and love, as well as learn some very exciting secrets about them.👀 But if you haven’t read them, fret not – you won’t feel left out!
Overall, this is a romance that delivers a lot of swoons and steam as well as tons of character growth – you won’t be able to help falling for both Claire and Nathan!
4.25🌟
The third book in this series of interconnected stand-alones, Between the Lines follows Claire, a chipper long-term substitite teacher in her early 20s, and Nathan, the oh-so buttoned-up assistant principal who is a decade older than her and always assumes she’s not taking anything seriously.
But after a chance meeting at the public library involving Claire’s precocious little sister and a game of chess, Nathan realizes his assumptions about Claire are extremely wrong. From there, the book embarks on a deeply emotional dual-journey as Claire and Nathan get to know each other and realize they are both carrying a lot of family-centric trauma and bond over their shared love of reading in a home library ripped out of bookish dreams.
But it isn’t all trauma-bonding and angst – there is tons of chemistry and tension, and this book gets seriously spicy. Let’s just say Nathan has a mouth on him and a predilection with a very vital pulse point.😎
If you’ve read the other books in the series, then you’ll be very pleased to know you’ll see characters you already know and love, as well as learn some very exciting secrets about them.👀 But if you haven’t read them, fret not – you won’t feel left out!
Overall, this is a romance that delivers a lot of swoons and steam as well as tons of character growth – you won’t be able to help falling for both Claire and Nathan!
4.25🌟
June 14, 2024
This is a story of Claire Benson. A 20 something with the weight of her family on her shoulders. By weight, I mean she is the pseudo parents….for her much alive parents to her younger siblings. To get away from the responsibilities her parents sidled her with, you accepted a substitute teacher job at River Valley Middle School. She finally was able to meet the supportive friend group she had been craving and missing in her formative years. Enter Nathan Harding, reluctant vice-principal, who has his own uphill family battles and authoritative role in the school. Nathan appears to be reserved and quiet when we first meet him. Like Claire, he has never had that supportive friend group due to taking care of his younger brother after his parents died.
Nathan did not want to fall for the light hearted, younger substitute, but through various events they began to meet, bond, and obviously fall in love. Much to their attempts at disguise, the hearts in their eyes were obvious and once outed were very quickly accepted within the crew. .
These two had their own internal struggles with accepting their roles within the family and learning how to accept the freedom they were craving within the school and their personal lives. Allie Marie gracefully tells their stories without making it super tragic. As the story is told, I enjoyed watching Claire (and her siblings) stand up to her parents for the trauma they caused.
I am partial to an age gap friends to lovers story as that is one of my own.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Nathan did not want to fall for the light hearted, younger substitute, but through various events they began to meet, bond, and obviously fall in love. Much to their attempts at disguise, the hearts in their eyes were obvious and once outed were very quickly accepted within the crew. .
These two had their own internal struggles with accepting their roles within the family and learning how to accept the freedom they were craving within the school and their personal lives. Allie Marie gracefully tells their stories without making it super tragic. As the story is told, I enjoyed watching Claire (and her siblings) stand up to her parents for the trauma they caused.
I am partial to an age gap friends to lovers story as that is one of my own.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
Is this potentially my favorite River Valley Teachers Lounge book yet? I think so! Also, can we call it RVTL?
Fans of the last two books are in for a delicious treat as we follow Nathan, the newly promoted AP, and Claire, a new substitute while figuring out her next moves in life.
Some of this hit close to home with the themes of growing up too fast and the delicate balance of being a sibling but also a caretaker, which are roles both of our leads have in common. Despite the age gap, Nathan is continuously drawn to Claire and realizes rather quickly that he’s completely misjudged her for her age.
I love watching the two of them aide one another in their healing journeys and also respect what the other person needs even if they don’t realize it for themselves. I was so proud of them by the end and how far they’d come from when we first started.
I was also concerned this was going to be the last of the RVTL series, but I knew the author would find a way to keep it going and when we got there at the end, I was grinning like a maniac. I am far too excited for the next chapter.
Make sure you catch this, as well as the other two in the series!
Fans of the last two books are in for a delicious treat as we follow Nathan, the newly promoted AP, and Claire, a new substitute while figuring out her next moves in life.
Some of this hit close to home with the themes of growing up too fast and the delicate balance of being a sibling but also a caretaker, which are roles both of our leads have in common. Despite the age gap, Nathan is continuously drawn to Claire and realizes rather quickly that he’s completely misjudged her for her age.
I love watching the two of them aide one another in their healing journeys and also respect what the other person needs even if they don’t realize it for themselves. I was so proud of them by the end and how far they’d come from when we first started.
I was also concerned this was going to be the last of the RVTL series, but I knew the author would find a way to keep it going and when we got there at the end, I was grinning like a maniac. I am far too excited for the next chapter.
Make sure you catch this, as well as the other two in the series!
June 8, 2024
I really liked the FMC and her backstory of a parentified oldest sibling still tasked with essentially raising her younger siblings. The MMC, on the other hand, just had too much angst related to a lack of communication, which isn't my favorite. I did enjoy the supporting characters and will definitely read more in this series, but it was hard to love this book with such a frustrating MMC.
Read it because:
I read (and enjoyed) the first book in this series.
Read it because:
I read (and enjoyed) the first book in this series.
March 12, 2026
DNF at 34%.
Listen, this book could have been so much fun has it been heavily edited. So much unnecessary information, this book was packed with a whole bunch of repetitive information that just made the reading dull.
It’s also very much that I’m right now looking to read something more fast paced and less dragged.
Anyway, I really wanted to enjoy this book, I was looking for something sweet and steamy, but this was just dragging so so much. The writing is so slow.
Listen, this book could have been so much fun has it been heavily edited. So much unnecessary information, this book was packed with a whole bunch of repetitive information that just made the reading dull.
It’s also very much that I’m right now looking to read something more fast paced and less dragged.
Anyway, I really wanted to enjoy this book, I was looking for something sweet and steamy, but this was just dragging so so much. The writing is so slow.
November 4, 2025
KU author I read occasionally when I don’t have anything else going on. I decided to DNF a book and grabbed this one as a reset. The author’s stories tend to get drawn out a bit much, and are heavy on smut that doesn’t add to the plot.
May 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Releases: May 30th
Thank you so much Allie for the eARC of book three in the River Valley Teachers Lounge series in exchange for an honest review. I will say I have not read the other two in the series BUT not even 30% into this book they were added to my TBR!
Between the Lines follows Nathan and Claire’s forbidden romance. Nathan is the new assistant principal at the school and Claire is a long term substitute. Claire is tied to being her parents build in nanny to even think about having a social life and Nathan has trauma tucked deep inside that gives off a hard ass vibe.
I immediately fell in love with Claire. Being 6 and 8 years older than my siblings, I totally understood some of the pressure she felt while living under her parent’s roof. Although I did have softball as an outlet, Claire has nothing other than parenting her siblings. The one thing she enjoys for herself is books. “Books have always been my happy place.” “So, books are, and always have been, my escape.”
Nathan gives off a tough man exterior to most, heck he was often compared to the grinch by his coworkers, but with Claire that all comes down. Nathan has so many moments of vulnerability, and expressing his doubts, fears and guilts to Claire. He also has a mouth that will make you blush!
This story is so relatable in so many ways. I felt like the heart of the teachers were spot on. Some teachers were over it all and ready to retire while many others were more than just a body in the classroom. They put forth effort towards the “problem children” and were always finding ways to help their students.
I loved that Claire’s class was reading The Outsiders! Hit so close to home because that was a book we read in my middle school reading class!
I also fell in love with this friend group! They are all so supportive of each other and are always there when needed.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
“Reading with me is better than reading alone.”
“What a breakfast menu: pancakes and menty b’s! The Claire Benson Speciality”
“And here I thought that sort of thing only happened in romance novels. Here I am, living outside the pages.”
“Home is starting to look a lot less like a four letter word and a lot more like a person, and that scares the shit out of me.”
“….I thought I could give you my thoughts? On your favorite book.”
“I don’t let people in easily, but you barreled into my life, and now I don’t know how it works without you in it.”
Go add this to your TBR! You will not be disappointed!
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Releases: May 30th
Thank you so much Allie for the eARC of book three in the River Valley Teachers Lounge series in exchange for an honest review. I will say I have not read the other two in the series BUT not even 30% into this book they were added to my TBR!
Between the Lines follows Nathan and Claire’s forbidden romance. Nathan is the new assistant principal at the school and Claire is a long term substitute. Claire is tied to being her parents build in nanny to even think about having a social life and Nathan has trauma tucked deep inside that gives off a hard ass vibe.
I immediately fell in love with Claire. Being 6 and 8 years older than my siblings, I totally understood some of the pressure she felt while living under her parent’s roof. Although I did have softball as an outlet, Claire has nothing other than parenting her siblings. The one thing she enjoys for herself is books. “Books have always been my happy place.” “So, books are, and always have been, my escape.”
Nathan gives off a tough man exterior to most, heck he was often compared to the grinch by his coworkers, but with Claire that all comes down. Nathan has so many moments of vulnerability, and expressing his doubts, fears and guilts to Claire. He also has a mouth that will make you blush!
This story is so relatable in so many ways. I felt like the heart of the teachers were spot on. Some teachers were over it all and ready to retire while many others were more than just a body in the classroom. They put forth effort towards the “problem children” and were always finding ways to help their students.
I loved that Claire’s class was reading The Outsiders! Hit so close to home because that was a book we read in my middle school reading class!
I also fell in love with this friend group! They are all so supportive of each other and are always there when needed.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
“Reading with me is better than reading alone.”
“What a breakfast menu: pancakes and menty b’s! The Claire Benson Speciality”
“And here I thought that sort of thing only happened in romance novels. Here I am, living outside the pages.”
“Home is starting to look a lot less like a four letter word and a lot more like a person, and that scares the shit out of me.”
“….I thought I could give you my thoughts? On your favorite book.”
“I don’t let people in easily, but you barreled into my life, and now I don’t know how it works without you in it.”
Go add this to your TBR! You will not be disappointed!
July 4, 2024
🍎 Between the Lines by Allie Marie 🍎
*eARC Review! WARNING: slight spoilers ahead*
(Note: they only appear after the caution sign!)
Nathan “Hardass” Harding is the newest Assistant Principal at River Valley Middle, and Claire is one of the newer substitutes. What starts as frustration and disdain toward Claire, slowly evolves for Nathan. Eventually, Nathan and Claire find themselves in a precarious situation — one where they crush on each other, but given Nathan is Claire’s boss, in a school setting, it’s a tricky situationship.
I love books that prioritize hobbies — and when one of the hobbies featured is book reading and loving, my bookworm heart is warmed. BUT ALSO, I love the way in which chess is represented in this book for many different characters, even ones we wouldn’t think would have interest. I also love the emphasis on family and found family woven throughout.
⚠️Spoiler information below — keep reading at your own discretion⚠️
Real talk time: As the eldest sibling of three, where my siblings are both almost a decade younger than me, I saw much of myself and my childhood in Claire. Her storyline and my life story echo similarities, and while we have many differences, that point of seeking happiness for one’s self is a beautiful story point.
ALSO CAN WE PLEASE VALIDATE AND CELEBRATE THAT NOT EVERYONE WANTS CHILDREN. It doesn’t matter anyone’s reason for making this decision, and I love how we see Nathan and Claire having these conversations. But also — notice who doesn’t have these conversations? Other people about them, because it ain’t their damn business. Ok, thank for you attending my TedTalk rant here — but Allie, thank you for representing all couples in a romance story, because not every romance has to end the same way. 💕
ALSO — the next book?!
I 👏🏻 am 👏🏻 so 👏🏻 damn 👏🏻 excited
Enemies to lovers is ALWAYS my jam 😈
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (Nathan Harding and his dirty talk!)
Recommend: Yes, but check CWs first (some people may have some sensitivity to some topics)
Pairs well with a nice cup of herbal tea and maybe a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich.
💕Special thank you to Allie for including me on her ARC team and sending me an eARC of this book to review! 💕
*eARC Review! WARNING: slight spoilers ahead*
(Note: they only appear after the caution sign!)
Nathan “Hardass” Harding is the newest Assistant Principal at River Valley Middle, and Claire is one of the newer substitutes. What starts as frustration and disdain toward Claire, slowly evolves for Nathan. Eventually, Nathan and Claire find themselves in a precarious situation — one where they crush on each other, but given Nathan is Claire’s boss, in a school setting, it’s a tricky situationship.
I love books that prioritize hobbies — and when one of the hobbies featured is book reading and loving, my bookworm heart is warmed. BUT ALSO, I love the way in which chess is represented in this book for many different characters, even ones we wouldn’t think would have interest. I also love the emphasis on family and found family woven throughout.
⚠️Spoiler information below — keep reading at your own discretion⚠️
Real talk time: As the eldest sibling of three, where my siblings are both almost a decade younger than me, I saw much of myself and my childhood in Claire. Her storyline and my life story echo similarities, and while we have many differences, that point of seeking happiness for one’s self is a beautiful story point.
ALSO CAN WE PLEASE VALIDATE AND CELEBRATE THAT NOT EVERYONE WANTS CHILDREN. It doesn’t matter anyone’s reason for making this decision, and I love how we see Nathan and Claire having these conversations. But also — notice who doesn’t have these conversations? Other people about them, because it ain’t their damn business. Ok, thank for you attending my TedTalk rant here — but Allie, thank you for representing all couples in a romance story, because not every romance has to end the same way. 💕
ALSO — the next book?!
I 👏🏻 am 👏🏻 so 👏🏻 damn 👏🏻 excited
Enemies to lovers is ALWAYS my jam 😈
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (Nathan Harding and his dirty talk!)
Recommend: Yes, but check CWs first (some people may have some sensitivity to some topics)
Pairs well with a nice cup of herbal tea and maybe a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich.
💕Special thank you to Allie for including me on her ARC team and sending me an eARC of this book to review! 💕
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