Read Between the Lines: A Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Cosy & Spicy Best Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy

by Sunny del Williams

Everyone’s always told me how hot my best friend Blake is, but he’s always just been my safe place to land…

Right?

Birch Valley is the last place I want to be. But when my photography career in Edmonton is ruined, I make the split-second decision to return home to the only person I’ve ever Blake.

Because living together is fine while I work next to him in his cosy coffeeshop. I’ve never wanted to be more than friends anyway.

And I’m sure he doesn’t want more either–knowing my drink order by heart and calling me beautiful is just a friend thing.

Him being the only person I’ll voluntarily hug? Totally normal.

So why does the idea of Blake having a girlfriend make me burn with jealousy?

And when his past hook up wants more at the Halloween dance, why do I immediately become possessive and stupid?

It’s not long before I’m stuck wondering if I’ve been lying to myself for the last ten years…

Am I in love with my best friend?

For fans of Stephanie Archer, Daisy Thorne, Meg Riley, and CanLit!

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Halloween, Contemporary, Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and east fall read. It was light and fluffy, not a ton of conflict which I wasn't mad about- sometimes you just need something lighthearted and easy you know!

This is an always been you, friends to lovers situation, a little tension, a lot of banter. A true slow burn but once it gets going, its hot!

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Friends to lovers in a quick and easy fall read. It was not really hard to see between the lines. This one was not for me but is an easy read.

[Blossom Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cozy fall treat, and just in time for Halloween too! The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was so fun to read - full of tension, heart, and the perfect amount of steam - Sunny del Williams did a wonderful job encompassing the perfect autumn vibe of crisp air, cozy settings, with just a pinch of Halloween magic woven throughout. It is the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly fall day, coffee in hand. The book is a sweet, (and steamy) heartfelt friends to lovers romance that is perfect for spooky season!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2-2.5🌶️ This is my first book by Sunny Del Williams, and book 1 of the Birch Valley series set during Halloween/Fall in a small town in Alberta, Canada. This is a sweet, cute, angsty, pining, ‘it’s always been you’, ‘I will do anything for you’ MMC, best-friends-to-lovers romance. It’s a slow burn but spicy when it hits.

Kara returns to her hometown of Birch Valley after leaving her job in Edmonton due to a boss that sexually harassed her and stole her work. She hadn’t planned on coming back because her mom was abusive/neglectful and her dad was a dealer/criminal but staying with her best friend Blake was her only choice. They were supposed to go to Edmonton for college together but Blake’s dad got into a near-fatal car accident, so Blake stayed behind while Kara chased her photography dreams. Kara is used to being pushed away when she becomes ‘inconvenient’ so she doesn’t easily trust. No matter what, Blake is determined to prove to her that she is lovable, worthy, deserving of good things. He understands her, knows what she’s thinking, and reminds her that she’s never a burden to him. 🫠

❤️ He wears glasses 🤓 and Gray sweatpants
❤️ He owns the Paperback Cafe ☕️
❤️ His rune tattoo means ‘eternal friendship and trust’ which they promised each other years ago
❤️ They have been friends for 20 years and he’s loved her for half of that
❤️ She doesn’t think she is lovable 🥺
❤️ ‘Be good for me’ 😮‍💨

Favorite quotes:
‘Only he had ever made me feel like this. The exquisitely terrifying experience of being seen. Of being perfectly accepted for who I was.’

‘Blake is the only person in the world I've ever willingly hugged - he's the only person whom I trust enough to respect my boundaries. He's my rock.’

‘I loved being her lighthouse, her safe space. I knew she'd never run to anyone else or show her vulnerabilities like this, and it made me strangely proud to be trusted with that guarded heart of hers.’

'You're home to me,' she said softly, so quietly I almost missed it. “Wherever you are, I feel safe. Seen. Loved.”

“Listen, Kara. You're never 'in the way' of my life. You are my life. You always have been and you always will be. I'm here for you whenever you need me. And I'm happy to remind you of that when you forget.”

‘She's my heart. My home. My everything. And I can never tell her, because telling her would mean losing her.’

‘Fear, that if Blake ever discovered my newfound feelings for him that he'd leave me, just like everyone else always had. I'd lose my soulmate.’

“Everything about you is imprinted on my soul, Kara. I will never forget.”

“Like what?”
“Content”.
“I am content. I can tell the woman I love how much she means to me anytime I want now. I'm free.”

Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Fall/Halloween setting 🍁
*Best friends to lovers
*Reverse grumpy sunshine
*Photographer FMC 📷
*Cafe owner/author MMC 📕
*It’s always been you
*Angst/pining
*Slowburn but spicy
*Praise
*Bi rep

Content warning: mention of abusive/neglectful parent, mention of car accident/disability

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

The story follows Kara who returns to Birch Valley 🌲🏡 after her photography career crashes. She moves in with her best friend, Blake 🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏼, and starts working at his cozy little coffee shop ☕🍩. It's supposed to be temporary… harmless… until Kara starts getting jealous, possessive, and begins to wonder if she’s been in love with Blake all along 🫣💭❤️.

I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and Read Between the Lines was such a warm, comforting story! It had just the right mix of spice 🌶️, wonderful characters, and was super engaging from start to finish. I really enjoyed the dual POV 👀👀 — it added so much depth and made it easy to connect with both characters.

The chemistry and dynamic between Kara and Blake was EVERYTHING! 💞🔥 "Their banter was funny and adorable — I caught myself grinning more than once. 🤭 and the best-friends-to-lovers trope was done perfectly 🥹👌. They truly felt made for each other. 💑💘I absolutely loved the honest, open connection and friendship they shared. 💬🫶 and the way they lifted each other up 💪🌟you could feel the love growing with every page. I was 100% rooting for Kara to accept her feelings for Blake 💓— especially since he was never shy about showing his feelings for her 😍💌.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, best-friends-to-lovers rom-com with a sweet HEA and all the cozy fall vibes 🍂🧣🕯️ — then you have to read this book! 📖🍁✨

I won this ARC in a giveaway! and leaving my honest review.

Thank You Sunny del Williams for the ARC!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Between the Lines by Sunny del Williams was a perfect read for fall vibes. It's cozy, cute, and totally Fall coded. From the setting, the coffee shop, and the banter made this story fun and refreshing.

The characters, Kara and Blake were truly lovable. Their story was fun, flirty, and full of yearning. The flirty banter was everything and besides hiding their feelings from one another the story felt light and refreshing compared to my reads as of late. The slow burn really is enjoyable. He falls first and she needs to catch up! What! A strong and solid MMC who is secure with himself and his emotions all while the FMC was the one falling after.

The story flows effortlessly with fast pacing. I’m looking forward to reading Sunny’s future works.
I don’t know why but sometimes a short quick impactful read is what you need to cleanse the palate and this book delivered!

I recommend this to anyone who loves cozy fall reads set in the fall with coffee shops MINUS the PUMPKIN everything!

This does read on the younger side but I don’t mind that all and if you don’t either, I suggest you read it.

This is truly a hidden fall gem.

[katapolt13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

✨ ARC Review ✨

Debut Novel: Read Between the Lines by Sunny del Williams

Blake and Kara won me over right from the start—their instant comfort with each other felt so genuine that I couldn’t help but root for them. I especially loved that Blake is a writer, and that his own lack of romance with Kara, ends up inspiring his book.

As with any best-friends-to-lovers romance, there’s that delicious angst of what if we ruin everything? But what makes this story stand out is Blake’s certainty. He knows he loves Kara and never hides it—just not always in the way she needs to hear. Most of the tension comes from waiting for Kara to fully accept her own feelings, which kept me flipping the pages.

It was refreshing to see a confident MMC who wasn’t afraid of love, paired with a heroine who needed time to believe in it.

✨ What to Expect
💞 Best Friends to Lovers
🎃 Halloween Vibes
🌈 Bisexual Rep
☀️ Grump vs. Sunshine
🍁 Canadian Setting
🙌 No 3rd Act Breakup

[Kalli smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was adorable. It definitely has fall vibes and is an east coast able fluffy fall read.

I will say one thing I wasn’t a huge fan of (may just be a me issue tbh) is the amount of pop culture references. References to things like movie quotes etc. it kinda took me out of the story at time.

My other critique is I felt as though this book lacked any real conflict. Most conflicts presented were resolved far too quickly for me, or didn’t feel substantial enough to really add to the story. I would’ve loved to have our characters spend a little more time struggling with the challenges they face, I felt as though solutions arose too quickly.

The spice was good! And the banter was PRECIOUS . Our main characters had chemistry you could feel.

I found myself literally chuckling out loud during parts of this book.

This was a cute fun read and I enjoyed it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small-town second chance romance leans heavily into the estranged friends-to-lovers trope—and does it really well. The two main characters share a past that never fully healed, which makes every interaction charged with unspoken feelings and a lot of wonderfully awkward moments. They clearly want more than friendship, but neither is quite brave enough to admit it, to themselves or to each other.
The emotional tension is the real strength of this book. Instead of dramatic twists, the story builds on small moments, hesitation, and everything left unsaid. It’s very much a slow burn, but one that feels intentional and earned rather than dragged out.
By the time they finally confront their feelings, the payoff feels satisfying and genuine. If you enjoy quiet small-town romances with emotional depth, lingering looks, and a strong friends-to-lovers arc, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The cutest fall-vibe story!

Kara and Blake have been best friends since childhood and each has a secret crush on the other. When Kara returns after years away, she stays with Blake in order to get her feet under her. As the catch up on all that they missed in each other's lives and begin to reform their freindship, Kara realizes she may have feelings that are stronger than friendship for Blake.

This story was so cute and sweet! I loved how the two MC's encouraged each other without being pushy or too much, and that we got to meet some interesting side characters (I hope some of them get their own story too)!

If you like the friends-to-lovers trope, you absolutely cannot miss this one!"

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake and Kara were such refreshing characters. I love a good friends to lovers romance, and this one certainly hit the mark. What I found really wonderful was that these two characters were open and honest with one another and had such a supportive relationship. Blake fell for Kara long ago, and it takes Kara a bit of time to catch up, so to speak. But the way they connected with one another and cared for each other was so sweet. If you’re looking for a well written romance with loads of Fall vibes and more than just pumpkin spice (ahem!) this book should hit the spot. Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute "will they/ won't they" book! I loved all the movie references throughout. It did have a juvenile vibe (acted more like middle schoolers) throughout, but had some spicy scenes. I was honestly shocked because the tone didn't seem like it would allow for those types of scenes. I loved the Fall, cozy scenery too!

Blake owns a coffee shop and is an aspiring writer. Kara tried to leave their town and go off to pursue her photography career, but shamefully crawls back home when her boss takes advantage of her and steals her work. Her best friend, Blake, takes her in and despite their time apart, he is eager to have his friend back. Teasing chemistry ensues!

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara and Blake have been friends since childhood, hiding their attraction and feelings behind their frienship facade. Once Kara returns home from her failed and humiliating try at independence, she runs into Blake for lodging and solace. And between close proximity, banter, conversations, moments, their feelings start to bloom. But when the line between friendhsip and love gets blurred, can they survive? This book is a sweet read with steamy moments, laugh out loud moments, and so many insightful moments that will keep you reading all the pages!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet romance who, after being life long best friends, start seeing each in a romantic light. Blake is definitely full of sunshine and loyalty. He would do anything for Kara. Kara is a bit more complicated: she had a horrible childhood and always has her guard. For anyone who isn't Blake. This is a slow burn so expect the MMC's to feel lots of angst and fear of losing their friend if they became romantically involved. The writing is good, and pacing is excellent. Nice sweet love story with just of spice towards the end of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a good start for this new series !! love Kara and Blake... this is their story.. best friends... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... they've been best friends forever... he's her safe place... and he's been in love with her all of his life but, he can't tell her that... he'd lose her... she's back and living and working with him but, it's just temporary... she lost everything at her job as a photographer.. her boss stole her work and harassed her... then , she get's jealous of his ex and wonders , has it always been him !! so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an advanced copy of this story. I enjoyed their relationship. Good book to cuddle up and read for this fall season. The way Blake shows his love for Kara is adorable and he isn't afraid to show it, saying it is slightly different being as this is a best friends to lovers story. It took Kara sometime to understand her feelings and I wanted to shake her around a bit but loved it when she finally realized it. Sx moments flowed well in the story and didn't feel out of place. Overall enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the next one is about.

[NikkiJay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a slow developing FM cute love story with a HEA.

The main characters are best friends who end up living together. There is some angst from things unsaid. They navigate changes between them and their lives from some time apart. This is a very fluffy, quick read.


I would give this a 1 outta 5 peppers for spice. But that might be because this is not my normal kind of read.

The Kindle version I read had some spacing issues and missing punctuation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shell Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning Blake and Kara thought they had life planned out but situations arise. Originally Kara and Blake thought they would never be separated but one horrible car accident, one person going to college and time flying by has separated the best friends. Now another situation has arise and it has brought the two best friends back together again. This time they will take their friendship further because they both realized they can't be separated again. Enjoy 🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[maddie maddies.litreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was the perfect balance of everything I want in a fall romance: cozy, yearning, lovable characters 😍
I really enjoyed the storyline and the ambiance. There were moments that felt rushed — but only because I wanted more story !! This was the perfect set up to what I’m sure will be a fan favorite series :) can’t wait for what’s next! and this is already an automatic comfy reread for me

[The Baker and the Bookmark Nikki Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara and Blake’s story is fun, flirty and built on a secret crush they’ve had on each other since they were young.
They continue to back and further admitting their feelings to themselves but not clueing each other in their feelings so there’s all this fun and flirty banter between them!

Super cute and fun read!! Perfect way to start fall!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a feel good friends to lovers.

Whilst I knew where the story was going, I enjoyed the journey. Blake was such a smitten ray of sunshine- I loved him. And for Kara, it was great to see her find herself and believe in herself again before she could believe in a relationship. I love a journey of self-discovery and true love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyMommiesBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute friends to lovers rom-com. There were several times I audibly laughed while reading.

Blake and Kara's relationship is so adorable. I also absolutely love Blake's dad- he's a hoot! Kara was super relatable, especially with her social anxiety/awkwardness.

The chapter titles are everything ❤️

If you're looking for a quick and fun fall themed romance, this one is for you!

[Samantha Millican · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heading back home to Birch Valley with her head hung in failure, Kara ends up staying and working with her best friend Blake. A cute and cozy romantic comedy about best friends turned lovers in the beginning of the Birch Valley series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I enjoyed the dynamic between the two best friends, and it wasn’t hard to read between the lines. It was very slow burn, that could have had more angsty moments. However, it was a lovely autumnal read about best friends to lovers with a happy ending.

[katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Between the Lines is a quintessential fall romcom, and I loved the East Coast setting. The relationship was solid and believable and I loved the banter! Kara and Blake are perfect together, I am so glad I got an advance copy of this book so I could fall in love with Birch Valley.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was too cute!! Perfect for Halloween. Getting into fall vibes. I’m not really a fan of slow burn and let me tell you… this was the slowest burn I think I’ve ever read. But the story kept me hanging on. Also I’m so intrigued by all the other people in this story. The whole town seems to have something happening that you want more of. I loved this ending. Very fun and very cute.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute read! Love the dual pov and found family and the cutest coffee shop?! Plus best friends to lovers will always have a special place in my heart 🥹

Thank you so much for an ARC of this book!!

[Jenna Trouten · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎃 This was a quick, cute cozy fall read. I really enjoyed the witty banter and all the pop culture references. Birch Valley has the perfect small-town vibes I love. I just wish it had gone a bit deeper — it felt a little too surface-level for me to really get invested the way I was hoping. But honestly, that’s probably a me thing; I know a lot of you will absolutely love this one! 🎃

🧡 Best friends to lovers
🧡 Cozy cafe
🧡 Bi representation
🧡 Fall vibes
🧡 Small town

[Anita Verugi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cozy Halloween atmosphere of the. It was an easy, cute, comfy read, with just the right mix of spice and fun pop-culture references. Thank you so much for the ARC!

[TopShelfTempts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Read Between the Lines! Such a sweet pumpkin spice friends to lovers romance! I can’t wait for book number two !