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22 days and 06:29:13
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Just Between Us: A Graphic Novel
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 06:29:13
5 copies available
U.S. only
In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition
Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she’s been the one to beat since her debut years ago.
Except now, something is missing in her performances—a spark that’s been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia’s passion for skating has disappeared.
When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia’s struck by the emotion in Elaine’s routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.
As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia’s about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again.
Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she’s been the one to beat since her debut years ago.
Except now, something is missing in her performances—a spark that’s been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia’s passion for skating has disappeared.
When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia’s struck by the emotion in Elaine’s routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.
As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia’s about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 24, 2026
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2697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Want to read
December 13, 2025finally. the real yuri on ice. sooo seated hello!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm thankful for the e-arc, and writing this review voluntarily, all opinions are my own <3
I was yearning for some yuri on ice, and this graphic novel checked all the boxes for a good story!
The way I devoured this in one sitting, ohh it's been a bit since i've been this giddy about characters.
Both Lydia and Elaine are characters I've loved throughout the whole story, I could resonate with them both for different reasons, and I was so resolute in my rooting for them in their own personal developments I almost forgot about the romance, but their back and forth quickly reminded me!
Their rivalry is very convincing, I loved how they both reached their development and was satisfied with how they were very respectful of each other's craft despite the competition and their love story (of which I was a big fan of, very happy with its pacing too).
Everything was tastefully written and illustrated, the story followed just the right pace and the ending was so satisfying, I'm very happy the girls both got to reach their goals and peace of mind in their own way.
The whole cast was very realistic, in particular Lydia's mum and Helen, I really enjoyed their development with Lydia.
The way each panel was illustrated was so good, the story flowed quite well and it was lovely to see the movement represented in every aspect and skill the characters performed. Both Elaine's graceful technique and Lydia's power were palpable through the screen, the work put into making it pop through this medium is brilliant!
The hints of colour are such a nice touch, can't wait for my copy to arrive so I can enjoy it once more :)
I was yearning for some yuri on ice, and this graphic novel checked all the boxes for a good story!
The way I devoured this in one sitting, ohh it's been a bit since i've been this giddy about characters.
Both Lydia and Elaine are characters I've loved throughout the whole story, I could resonate with them both for different reasons, and I was so resolute in my rooting for them in their own personal developments I almost forgot about the romance, but their back and forth quickly reminded me!
Their rivalry is very convincing, I loved how they both reached their development and was satisfied with how they were very respectful of each other's craft despite the competition and their love story (of which I was a big fan of, very happy with its pacing too).
Everything was tastefully written and illustrated, the story followed just the right pace and the ending was so satisfying, I'm very happy the girls both got to reach their goals and peace of mind in their own way.
The whole cast was very realistic, in particular Lydia's mum and Helen, I really enjoyed their development with Lydia.
The way each panel was illustrated was so good, the story flowed quite well and it was lovely to see the movement represented in every aspect and skill the characters performed. Both Elaine's graceful technique and Lydia's power were palpable through the screen, the work put into making it pop through this medium is brilliant!
The hints of colour are such a nice touch, can't wait for my copy to arrive so I can enjoy it once more :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had no doubt that I was going to love Just Between Us, I just didn’t think I would love it this much – nor that it would make me cry.
It’s not a sad story by any means but Lydia’s struggles resonated with my own. I was really moved. It’s definitely become my favorite graphic novel!
The art was really unique, the way some panels were crafted impressed me because I could feel how much creativity and care was put into them. I think it being black and white with some yellow really did it great service, I love colour but it was the right choice here. The beauty of figure skating was well rendered in 2D drawing format, it made it immersive and it wasn’t hard to understand what was happening.
I also loved how the rivalry aspect was depicted and how much sense both their rivalry and relationship development made sense. Lydia and Elaine are two characters who complemented each other really well and who had a lot of chemistry. I’m glad the story wasn’t too romance focused, the ratio felt just right and their relationship made it so that we got more insight into each character thanks to all their scenes. It’s intelligent story-telling.
I really recommend reading it, I was able to read it thanks to the ARC but I already pre-ordered my physical copy! I will be rereading.
It’s not a sad story by any means but Lydia’s struggles resonated with my own. I was really moved. It’s definitely become my favorite graphic novel!
The art was really unique, the way some panels were crafted impressed me because I could feel how much creativity and care was put into them. I think it being black and white with some yellow really did it great service, I love colour but it was the right choice here. The beauty of figure skating was well rendered in 2D drawing format, it made it immersive and it wasn’t hard to understand what was happening.
I also loved how the rivalry aspect was depicted and how much sense both their rivalry and relationship development made sense. Lydia and Elaine are two characters who complemented each other really well and who had a lot of chemistry. I’m glad the story wasn’t too romance focused, the ratio felt just right and their relationship made it so that we got more insight into each character thanks to all their scenes. It’s intelligent story-telling.
I really recommend reading it, I was able to read it thanks to the ARC but I already pre-ordered my physical copy! I will be rereading.
December 7, 2025
JUST BETWEEN US by adeline kon is a stunning graphic novel debut to be savored. laugh out loud funny & full of heart, the story uses gorgeous drawings to explore reclaiming one’s passion for figure skating, the cost of dreams, and the kind of love that feels like warmth. ⛸️🤍🏅
December 9, 2025
I am simply too seated
Want to read
December 12, 2025apparently the author is a rika kihira stan so i KNOW they have good taste 🤭 can’t wait to read this!!
August 20, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.
Lydia and Elaine have been rivals in the figure skating world for years. When Elaine switches to Lydia's home rink, Lydia will have to remember why she loves skating. #Edelweiss+
Lydia and Elaine have been rivals in the figure skating world for years. When Elaine switches to Lydia's home rink, Lydia will have to remember why she loves skating. #Edelweiss+
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews