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Between The Wild Lines: A Dystopian Romance
Forbidden love threatens a world on the verge of extinction.
For decades, the Authority has used any means necessary to prevent mass extinction. How the Heart Blight virus killed 99.9% of the male population but spared females remains a mystery. Survivors are carriers, making men both vital to repopulation and a hazard as the virus continues to mutate.
Rei is training to become an Enforcer, a soldier responsible for securing Genetic Research Hubs, where carriers live in strict containment and scientists hunt for a cure. When she encounters Griff, an escaped survivor, she's taken captive and dragged into the wilderness. A deadly game of survival will test her loyalties and everything the Authority teaches. As the virus continues to mutate, the lines between truth and freedom blur. But one thing is certain—submit or hang.
For decades, the Authority has used any means necessary to prevent mass extinction. How the Heart Blight virus killed 99.9% of the male population but spared females remains a mystery. Survivors are carriers, making men both vital to repopulation and a hazard as the virus continues to mutate.
Rei is training to become an Enforcer, a soldier responsible for securing Genetic Research Hubs, where carriers live in strict containment and scientists hunt for a cure. When she encounters Griff, an escaped survivor, she's taken captive and dragged into the wilderness. A deadly game of survival will test her loyalties and everything the Authority teaches. As the virus continues to mutate, the lines between truth and freedom blur. But one thing is certain—submit or hang.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 19, 2025
I received an arc from the author via voracious readers only.
ok so I'm not great at book reviews but this book was great! in my opinion it's everything you'd want in a dystopian romance. you've got plot, spicy, enemies to lovers, action, suspense. it's all there and I was hooked from page one.
ok so I'm not great at book reviews but this book was great! in my opinion it's everything you'd want in a dystopian romance. you've got plot, spicy, enemies to lovers, action, suspense. it's all there and I was hooked from page one.
July 18, 2025
"We thrive on unspoken hope: what we do today makes tomorrow possible."
A dystopian world where Heart Blight, a deadly virus, has killed the majority of the male population. In a society run by women, Rei is training to be an Enforcer, a soldier, yet when her platoon is attacked by a rebel group, she struggles to cope with the aftermath and survivors' guilt. Taking a break, she goes to her friend's remote lake-house, where she comes across a looter. Griff is an escapee from containment at the Genetic Research Hub, where scientists search for a cure. Forced into the wilderness together, secrets begin to be unveiled, and both Rei and Griff find themselves questioning what they know. They must learn to trust each other to survive.
"The wild brings us closer to ourselves - reminding us we're human."
Between the Wild Lines is a dark and emotionally-charged novel that really delves into humanity and true self. This novel not only looks into the wilderness of nature but looks into the hidden wilderness in human society, and it truly exposes something dark and cruel. Seeing the portrayal of the opposing settings to explore the wild really creates an atmospheric read and enhances the characters' feelings and realisations. The wilderness of nature is a prominent character in itself, and although it's harsh, there is something truly exposing about it peaceful yet strips away human nature to test and reveal a character's true self.
Rei and Griff are such a complimentary couple, and seeing their initial fear and hesitancy develop into a relationship built on trust and kindness made an addictive story. I thought at their initial meeting, and in some of their interactions, there would be more curiosity about the opposite sex as the segregation is a prominent feature in the book. But it didn't really take anything away from the events of the novel. Initially I understood Rei's stance as she had been coerced into believing The Authority stood for the good of humankind and its survival, but I thought as more was revealed to her, she would have a lot more questions and more intensive inner turmoil. At some points for me it was a little shallow but I still loved her character, even though her ability to survive in nature is quite poor and she is resistant to learning at the beginning, her character is one that grows on you. The contrast of Griff's quiet personality is brilliant, and I adored his character from beginning to end. We also all need a Mischief, a cheeky raccoon, in our lives. He's so lovable.
I really enjoyed this book, but I did find the reproductive control hard to digest, but that lends to the tension and darkness of the narrative. But if a book makes you feel something, you know it's working and making an impact. This novel definitely had an impact.
____________________
More Favourite Quotes:
Trust has risks you can't shake - what if survival i is more than staying alive?
When cornered and facing death, instinct fights back.
When we're broken and suffering, words become unnecessary, and presence becomes everything.
Vulnerability requires an act of courage to expose a great weakness.
"Don't 't leave me," I whisper and tears leak from the corners of my eyes. "I've been alone for so long. I don't want to be alone anymore.
Boundaries are lines we cross every time tensions build between us.
___________________
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, definitely pick this book up!
Thank you, Greta Krafsig, for an ARC of Between the Wild Lines, I'll be twiddling my thumbs until the next book is out.
A dystopian world where Heart Blight, a deadly virus, has killed the majority of the male population. In a society run by women, Rei is training to be an Enforcer, a soldier, yet when her platoon is attacked by a rebel group, she struggles to cope with the aftermath and survivors' guilt. Taking a break, she goes to her friend's remote lake-house, where she comes across a looter. Griff is an escapee from containment at the Genetic Research Hub, where scientists search for a cure. Forced into the wilderness together, secrets begin to be unveiled, and both Rei and Griff find themselves questioning what they know. They must learn to trust each other to survive.
"The wild brings us closer to ourselves - reminding us we're human."
Between the Wild Lines is a dark and emotionally-charged novel that really delves into humanity and true self. This novel not only looks into the wilderness of nature but looks into the hidden wilderness in human society, and it truly exposes something dark and cruel. Seeing the portrayal of the opposing settings to explore the wild really creates an atmospheric read and enhances the characters' feelings and realisations. The wilderness of nature is a prominent character in itself, and although it's harsh, there is something truly exposing about it peaceful yet strips away human nature to test and reveal a character's true self.
Rei and Griff are such a complimentary couple, and seeing their initial fear and hesitancy develop into a relationship built on trust and kindness made an addictive story. I thought at their initial meeting, and in some of their interactions, there would be more curiosity about the opposite sex as the segregation is a prominent feature in the book. But it didn't really take anything away from the events of the novel. Initially I understood Rei's stance as she had been coerced into believing The Authority stood for the good of humankind and its survival, but I thought as more was revealed to her, she would have a lot more questions and more intensive inner turmoil. At some points for me it was a little shallow but I still loved her character, even though her ability to survive in nature is quite poor and she is resistant to learning at the beginning, her character is one that grows on you. The contrast of Griff's quiet personality is brilliant, and I adored his character from beginning to end. We also all need a Mischief, a cheeky raccoon, in our lives. He's so lovable.
I really enjoyed this book, but I did find the reproductive control hard to digest, but that lends to the tension and darkness of the narrative. But if a book makes you feel something, you know it's working and making an impact. This novel definitely had an impact.
____________________
More Favourite Quotes:
Trust has risks you can't shake - what if survival i is more than staying alive?
When cornered and facing death, instinct fights back.
When we're broken and suffering, words become unnecessary, and presence becomes everything.
Vulnerability requires an act of courage to expose a great weakness.
"Don't 't leave me," I whisper and tears leak from the corners of my eyes. "I've been alone for so long. I don't want to be alone anymore.
Boundaries are lines we cross every time tensions build between us.
___________________
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, definitely pick this book up!
Thank you, Greta Krafsig, for an ARC of Between the Wild Lines, I'll be twiddling my thumbs until the next book is out.
July 2, 2025
I Loved It!! Dystopian is a new genre for me as a reader and it caught me in its web and I sat and read this book in one sitting!
The meeting of Griff and Rei, one an escaped survivor and the other a trainee Enforcer. Both on opposite sides of the Authority. Men being used only for the contribution (used as sperm donors) to try and find a cure for The Heart Blight that has been killing only the males that come into contact with the virus. Whilst all the women, apart from the civvies, being trained to keep law and order within the communities.
Griff captures Rei, and whilst feverish from an injury she acquired whilst trying to outrun Griff, he finds he is unable to end her life. As easy as it would have been, he lets her live.
During her captivity, both Griff and Rei begin to develop feelings for each other. Rei knowing she has to return, refuses to allow herself the indulgence of being with Griff, just one man and one woman. That is until their desires get away from them and the heat levels turn up! Spice level ok for how the story develops. An interesting back story. but with them being intimate together, a first for both of them, the reasons for Rie needing to return becomes confusing for her. SHe wants to believe what Griff is telling her about the Authority, and its supposed lies, but it is difficult due to what she has had to believe her whole life. Then Griff is injured, and Rei has to nurse him back to health. During this time Rei is discovered by the Authority, too late to save Griff from recapture, he hands himself in to try and save Rei from returning to her old life. She is now the escapee and is on the run, trying to work on a plan to rescue Griff.
Secrets are revealed and with the help of her mother, her friend Mara and the Sympathizers they are able to rescue some of the prisoners, including Mara's stolen baby boy and Griff.
Now they are all on the run from the authority, they need to make it to the Free territories whilst trying to avoid recapture!
A soft cliff hanger as the escapees remain on the run, But Griff and Rie are determined to succeed!
Yeh this book has a bit of everything and the story line develops well. Awaiting Book two, Among The Wild Lines, where they try to find shelter in the Free Territory, wondering who are friends and who are the enemy! 5 very resounding stars from me!
The meeting of Griff and Rei, one an escaped survivor and the other a trainee Enforcer. Both on opposite sides of the Authority. Men being used only for the contribution (used as sperm donors) to try and find a cure for The Heart Blight that has been killing only the males that come into contact with the virus. Whilst all the women, apart from the civvies, being trained to keep law and order within the communities.
Griff captures Rei, and whilst feverish from an injury she acquired whilst trying to outrun Griff, he finds he is unable to end her life. As easy as it would have been, he lets her live.
During her captivity, both Griff and Rei begin to develop feelings for each other. Rei knowing she has to return, refuses to allow herself the indulgence of being with Griff, just one man and one woman. That is until their desires get away from them and the heat levels turn up! Spice level ok for how the story develops. An interesting back story. but with them being intimate together, a first for both of them, the reasons for Rie needing to return becomes confusing for her. SHe wants to believe what Griff is telling her about the Authority, and its supposed lies, but it is difficult due to what she has had to believe her whole life. Then Griff is injured, and Rei has to nurse him back to health. During this time Rei is discovered by the Authority, too late to save Griff from recapture, he hands himself in to try and save Rei from returning to her old life. She is now the escapee and is on the run, trying to work on a plan to rescue Griff.
Secrets are revealed and with the help of her mother, her friend Mara and the Sympathizers they are able to rescue some of the prisoners, including Mara's stolen baby boy and Griff.
Now they are all on the run from the authority, they need to make it to the Free territories whilst trying to avoid recapture!
A soft cliff hanger as the escapees remain on the run, But Griff and Rie are determined to succeed!
Yeh this book has a bit of everything and the story line develops well. Awaiting Book two, Among The Wild Lines, where they try to find shelter in the Free Territory, wondering who are friends and who are the enemy! 5 very resounding stars from me!
July 5, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“Life leaves many scars, some more visible than others.”
This book is a gritty, emotionally-charged survival romance set against a backdrop of wilderness, secrets, and rebellion. We follow Rei, a fierce and haunted young woman on a dangerous trek through the wild in search of redemption—and maybe, unexpectedly, love. With an injured ankle, a heavy conscience, and the weight of past mistakes, she pushes forward to save Griff, a boy who defied the Authority and, somehow, believed in her even when she didn’t believe in herself.
I’ll admit—Rei frustrated me at the beginning. Her blind loyalty to the system, her refusal to question what she’d been told... I wanted to shake her. But as the story unfolded, I understood. Raised in a society built on control, trained as a soldier to follow orders without hesitation, how could she have known any different? Her internal struggle felt painfully real—and watching her question everything she’s ever believed was one of the most rewarding parts of this book.
Now Griff? I liked him from the start. Quiet strength, steady loyalty, and just the right amount of mystery. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t need loud speeches—his actions speak volumes.
This story isn’t just romance. It’s a blend of dystopian suspense, slow-burn tension, and soul-searching growth.
By the end of the book, I honestly couldn't tell who the "good guys" were- if there even are any. Did Rei and Griff made the right choice... or just tangled the web even deeper? I do know that I will read the sequel.
“Life leaves many scars, some more visible than others.”
This book is a gritty, emotionally-charged survival romance set against a backdrop of wilderness, secrets, and rebellion. We follow Rei, a fierce and haunted young woman on a dangerous trek through the wild in search of redemption—and maybe, unexpectedly, love. With an injured ankle, a heavy conscience, and the weight of past mistakes, she pushes forward to save Griff, a boy who defied the Authority and, somehow, believed in her even when she didn’t believe in herself.
I’ll admit—Rei frustrated me at the beginning. Her blind loyalty to the system, her refusal to question what she’d been told... I wanted to shake her. But as the story unfolded, I understood. Raised in a society built on control, trained as a soldier to follow orders without hesitation, how could she have known any different? Her internal struggle felt painfully real—and watching her question everything she’s ever believed was one of the most rewarding parts of this book.
Now Griff? I liked him from the start. Quiet strength, steady loyalty, and just the right amount of mystery. He’s the kind of character who doesn’t need loud speeches—his actions speak volumes.
This story isn’t just romance. It’s a blend of dystopian suspense, slow-burn tension, and soul-searching growth.
By the end of the book, I honestly couldn't tell who the "good guys" were- if there even are any. Did Rei and Griff made the right choice... or just tangled the web even deeper? I do know that I will read the sequel.
August 31, 2025
I'm gonna be honest, I have never read spicy dystopian novels, and as a first-timer, this was a treat! The meet-cute (or rather, meet-violent?) came very early, and the romance between the two characters blossomed organically in a short amount of time. Despite the short time, it felt realistic!
The story arcs, character development, and emotional impacts all hit well. Initially starting as enemies, Rei and Griff learn that they have a lot in common, in addition to their initial attraction. Their pasts and traumas is what brings them close, while a little pet raccoon disarms both of them so they can find a middle ground in their differences.
I especially enjoyed the reversing of the "breeding" trope, where instead of women being the victims, they were the oppressors, showing how villainous women can become when faced with hard choices.
I felt like I was reading a movie, tuning in to a new adventure every day and wondering where Rei and Griff would end up next.
The ending was satisfactory and the perfect cliff-hanger that leads into book 2, which I'm excited to read next.
The story arcs, character development, and emotional impacts all hit well. Initially starting as enemies, Rei and Griff learn that they have a lot in common, in addition to their initial attraction. Their pasts and traumas is what brings them close, while a little pet raccoon disarms both of them so they can find a middle ground in their differences.
I especially enjoyed the reversing of the "breeding" trope, where instead of women being the victims, they were the oppressors, showing how villainous women can become when faced with hard choices.
I felt like I was reading a movie, tuning in to a new adventure every day and wondering where Rei and Griff would end up next.
The ending was satisfactory and the perfect cliff-hanger that leads into book 2, which I'm excited to read next.
July 2, 2025
4 stars
Format: Digital/Kindle
Pub Date: July 11th, 2025
Genre: Dystopian/Romance
Enemies to lovers for sure and I really feel the dystopian feel. I have to just mention the funniest and cutest “character” which is Mischief lol the raccoon omg. Rei is training to be an enforcer in what they call the Authority and Griff, the dude she is stuck with for a bit is against what the Authority stands for. The banter is good and I really thought that the whole premise of the male population is just dying out with a virus called Heart Blight. Very intriguing to me. It isn’t the most amazing thing I’ve read but lots of action from the get go and I did enjoy the tension between Rei and Griff with the romance as well. Very action packed at the 60% mark right up until the end.
Format: Digital/Kindle
Pub Date: July 11th, 2025
Genre: Dystopian/Romance
Enemies to lovers for sure and I really feel the dystopian feel. I have to just mention the funniest and cutest “character” which is Mischief lol the raccoon omg. Rei is training to be an enforcer in what they call the Authority and Griff, the dude she is stuck with for a bit is against what the Authority stands for. The banter is good and I really thought that the whole premise of the male population is just dying out with a virus called Heart Blight. Very intriguing to me. It isn’t the most amazing thing I’ve read but lots of action from the get go and I did enjoy the tension between Rei and Griff with the romance as well. Very action packed at the 60% mark right up until the end.
July 9, 2025
Greta Krafsig’s Between the Wild Lines thrusts readers into a virus-scarred future where the Heart Blight has wiped out 99.9 percent of men, turning every survivor into both prize and threat.
Duty-bound Enforcer trainee Rei collides with Griff, an escaped carrier, and their enemies-to-lovers spark blazes hotter with every desperate mile through the Authority-patrolled wilderness.
The relentless survival stakes and forbidden-love tension kept me glued to the pages until dawn. Despite being book one of the Wild Lines trilogy, the plot lands a satisfying emotional punch while teasing bigger conspiracies, and early Goodreads ratings already sit north of four stars.
Krafsig’s eye for untamed landscapes makes every chase, campfire, and stolen kiss feel visceral and real.
Duty-bound Enforcer trainee Rei collides with Griff, an escaped carrier, and their enemies-to-lovers spark blazes hotter with every desperate mile through the Authority-patrolled wilderness.
The relentless survival stakes and forbidden-love tension kept me glued to the pages until dawn. Despite being book one of the Wild Lines trilogy, the plot lands a satisfying emotional punch while teasing bigger conspiracies, and early Goodreads ratings already sit north of four stars.
Krafsig’s eye for untamed landscapes makes every chase, campfire, and stolen kiss feel visceral and real.
July 22, 2025
💜🦝🏹💀Very good dystopia.
In the shower of the military building, young Rei activates her personal timer: she has ten minutes.
The building's alarm then sounds, and the water stops abruptly with eight minutes left.
She sighs and gets dressed.
Nothing was going as she had hoped...
---------
A dystopia that takes a bit of time to get going, describing the daily life of a female soldier in a futuristic world dominated by extremist women.
I loved the development of this rather complex story, as well as the development of the two main characters, Rei and Griff, with many unexpected twists and turns.
The spicy and sentimental side of the story adds a plus.
The second half of the novel is truly excellent.
I really like this author's writing.
I can't wait to read the sequel!!!
I highly recommend it!
In the shower of the military building, young Rei activates her personal timer: she has ten minutes.
The building's alarm then sounds, and the water stops abruptly with eight minutes left.
She sighs and gets dressed.
Nothing was going as she had hoped...
---------
A dystopia that takes a bit of time to get going, describing the daily life of a female soldier in a futuristic world dominated by extremist women.
I loved the development of this rather complex story, as well as the development of the two main characters, Rei and Griff, with many unexpected twists and turns.
The spicy and sentimental side of the story adds a plus.
The second half of the novel is truly excellent.
I really like this author's writing.
I can't wait to read the sequel!!!
I highly recommend it!
July 11, 2025
This book..... honestly I was unsure if I'd like it but the synopsis I read was enough to spark my interest and I'm sooooo pleased I did.
I loved it from start to finish and couldn't put it down. I am already counting down for the next one in the series.
The story has lots of twists and turns and had me laughing, crying and in shock at some point. It definitely wasn't your 'I know where this story is going' kind of read which I loved. Definitely had a late night staying up to do more reading.
I also absolutely want a pet racoon, if you know you know!
Would really recommend reading this book, you won't regret it.
Thank you Greta for the opportunity to read your book as a ARC. It's perfect.
I loved it from start to finish and couldn't put it down. I am already counting down for the next one in the series.
The story has lots of twists and turns and had me laughing, crying and in shock at some point. It definitely wasn't your 'I know where this story is going' kind of read which I loved. Definitely had a late night staying up to do more reading.
I also absolutely want a pet racoon, if you know you know!
Would really recommend reading this book, you won't regret it.
Thank you Greta for the opportunity to read your book as a ARC. It's perfect.
July 12, 2025
“Life is an argument between mind, body, and will.”
Thank you, Greta for the opportunity to receive the ARC for this book!
You know this book can definitely be made into a movie. For a dystopian romance, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s an enemies to lovers, so if this is your favorite trope you are going to love it. The tension between Rei and Griff was intense. Two individuals from different sides of the track in this dystopian world, there’s going to be some tension. Their beliefs and lives beginning to clash amongst each other and soon the truth is relieved.
I can’t wait to read further on in this series.
Thank you, Greta for the opportunity to receive the ARC for this book!
You know this book can definitely be made into a movie. For a dystopian romance, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s an enemies to lovers, so if this is your favorite trope you are going to love it. The tension between Rei and Griff was intense. Two individuals from different sides of the track in this dystopian world, there’s going to be some tension. Their beliefs and lives beginning to clash amongst each other and soon the truth is relieved.
I can’t wait to read further on in this series.
July 16, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
Between the wild lines: enemies to lovers, the tension between Rei and Griff is big. Both on a different side of the track in this dystopian world. Their beliefs, tensions, and lives clash between each other. Looking forward for book two 💛🥰
Between the wild lines: enemies to lovers, the tension between Rei and Griff is big. Both on a different side of the track in this dystopian world. Their beliefs, tensions, and lives clash between each other. Looking forward for book two 💛🥰
September 13, 2025
This was a very good book. The author has a way with words that made me see exactly what she describes. The book starts off a little slow but picks up. When I picked up this book, I didn’t realize it was the first book in a series, but now I can’t wait to read the next book! This book has a little bit of everything romance, spice, excitement, and adventure.
July 11, 2025
I did enjoy this. It's missing more spice to me. I enjoy it being a good mix and I felt there wasn't enough of it. I like the world setting and world building. I didn't enjoy the cliffhanger though. I hope there will be a conclusion in book 2. Overall a good book!
July 9, 2025
Currently reading this and so far it is really good, not my typical book but I am enjoying it. The world building, the characters. All amazing. So far it’s definitely worth the read
July 28, 2025
A good read for fans of this genre. Although I’m not a massive fan of this genre, it was easy to read, and the pacing was good. I would have liked the scenes to be more cinematic, but that’s just me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews