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Between The Lines
474 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 19, 2025
ARC Provided by LoveNotes PR in exchange for honest review.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Between the Lines is the fake dating story of uni students Luke, oldest son and perpetual disappointment of his snobby rich parents, and Stella, who wants nothing more than casual hookups with no feelings. When Stella's friends become concerned about her hookups, and Luke needs a date for his parents' New Year's Eve event, they agree to pretend to date until the event is done. But can things ever be that simple?
This is an enjoyable story that slightly misses the heights it has the capability of reaching. Luke is dream boyfriend material - he pays attention to the minutest detail, he's endlessly loyal to those he loves, he has a life plan, he is the perfect flirt without taking it too far, and his banter game is on point. His feelings for Stella come thick and fast, and his belief in her is incredible and unwavering, particularly in regards to her degree focus.
Stella, I found less easy to like to begin with. It was clear from the outset that there was a reason for her outright refusal to commit to relationships, and that when the breakdown around it came, it would hit hard and give insight to her character - but for the first half of the book I found it really hard to gel with her. Once the tinderbox of feelings caught light in earnest, my opinion of her did change - she is complex and feels far more deeply than she acknowledges at any point. When she went to bat for Luke against his mother I actually squeaked with joy (his parents are Grade A Douchecanoes!) because she was doing all the things a loving, loyal girlfriend would do, even if she couldn't acknowledge it.
The supporting cast of this novel were excellent - Keets, Rory and Beck were incredible cheerleaders to the main characters. I would love to have seen a bit more about Luke and Leon rebuilding their relationship in the aftermath of the dumpster fire that was the New Year's Eve dinner - there are hints but I'd love to see it fully explored. In the beginning, there were more of Stella's friends, but they just slipped off the radar - I did wonder what the point of introducing them was, for them to disappear. Luke's parents were true villains, and I absolutely despised them. One of my favourite microtropes is found family, and to see Luke have that in spades in the Christmas scene was wonderful.
I'm not usually a fan of the third act breakup, but I absolutely saw why it was crucial to this story, and felt that it enabled the author to treat sensitive topics with tact and respect. It also added a layer of authenticity about working on yourself in therapy, and being able to accept the love you have failed to accept because of the trauma you've suffered.
The main reason I've not rated this higher than three stars is because it is in need of a good editor and proofreader. It is a very solid debut, and I did enjoy it, it just needs the touch of experience to shape it that little bit further and add the polish to make it into a heavy hitter. I'm looking forward to Keets' and Rory's story!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⭐⭐⭐.5
Between the Lines is the fake dating story of uni students Luke, oldest son and perpetual disappointment of his snobby rich parents, and Stella, who wants nothing more than casual hookups with no feelings. When Stella's friends become concerned about her hookups, and Luke needs a date for his parents' New Year's Eve event, they agree to pretend to date until the event is done. But can things ever be that simple?
This is an enjoyable story that slightly misses the heights it has the capability of reaching. Luke is dream boyfriend material - he pays attention to the minutest detail, he's endlessly loyal to those he loves, he has a life plan, he is the perfect flirt without taking it too far, and his banter game is on point. His feelings for Stella come thick and fast, and his belief in her is incredible and unwavering, particularly in regards to her degree focus.
Stella, I found less easy to like to begin with. It was clear from the outset that there was a reason for her outright refusal to commit to relationships, and that when the breakdown around it came, it would hit hard and give insight to her character - but for the first half of the book I found it really hard to gel with her. Once the tinderbox of feelings caught light in earnest, my opinion of her did change - she is complex and feels far more deeply than she acknowledges at any point. When she went to bat for Luke against his mother I actually squeaked with joy (his parents are Grade A Douchecanoes!) because she was doing all the things a loving, loyal girlfriend would do, even if she couldn't acknowledge it.
The supporting cast of this novel were excellent - Keets, Rory and Beck were incredible cheerleaders to the main characters. I would love to have seen a bit more about Luke and Leon rebuilding their relationship in the aftermath of the dumpster fire that was the New Year's Eve dinner - there are hints but I'd love to see it fully explored. In the beginning, there were more of Stella's friends, but they just slipped off the radar - I did wonder what the point of introducing them was, for them to disappear. Luke's parents were true villains, and I absolutely despised them. One of my favourite microtropes is found family, and to see Luke have that in spades in the Christmas scene was wonderful.
I'm not usually a fan of the third act breakup, but I absolutely saw why it was crucial to this story, and felt that it enabled the author to treat sensitive topics with tact and respect. It also added a layer of authenticity about working on yourself in therapy, and being able to accept the love you have failed to accept because of the trauma you've suffered.
The main reason I've not rated this higher than three stars is because it is in need of a good editor and proofreader. It is a very solid debut, and I did enjoy it, it just needs the touch of experience to shape it that little bit further and add the polish to make it into a heavy hitter. I'm looking forward to Keets' and Rory's story!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Read
October 24, 2025“Between the Lines” nos presenta a Stella, una chica que tras una ruptura difícil ha decidido blindar su corazón. Su manera de sobrellevar el dolor es mantener relaciones esporádicas, sin compromiso ni sentimientos de por medio. En el otro extremo está Luke, un camarero tatuado y encantador que trabaja en el bar cercano al campus. Luke es el hijo mayor de una familia adinerada y exigente, y está cansado de intentar cumplir con las expectativas de sus padres. Cuando necesita a una chica que le acompañe como “novia” al evento de compromiso de su hermano, decide que Stella es la candidata perfecta.
Lo que empieza como un acuerdo de citas falsas para salir del paso —ella, para que sus amigos dejen de preocuparse; él, para sobrevivir a una cena familiar infernal— pronto se convierte en algo mucho más real. Aunque vienen de mundos diferentes y ambos arrastran inseguridades, su conexión es genuina. Luke cae primero, y cae fuerte: es atento, dulce y tremendamente leal. Stella, por su parte, se resiste a abrirse, pero poco a poco descubre que puede dejar entrar el amor sin perderse a sí misma.
El libro es ágil, entretenido y con una química muy natural entre los protagonistas. Destaca la evolución de ambos: Luke es el típico “dream boyfriend material”, y Stella pasa de ser una protagonista difícil de entender a una mujer compleja, con heridas que la autora trata con sensibilidad y realismo.
También merece mención especial el grupo de amigos secundarios —Keets, Rory y Beck—, que aportan humor, calidez y ese sentimiento de “familia elegida” que tanto se agradece en historias de este tipo.
Es una novela debut y es una lectura muy disfrutable, con momentos tiernos, divertidos y emotivos. En definitiva, Between the Lines es un fake dating con corazón, ideal para quienes buscan una historia romántica fresca, ligera y con personajes que evolucionan y aprenden a sanar.
Lo que empieza como un acuerdo de citas falsas para salir del paso —ella, para que sus amigos dejen de preocuparse; él, para sobrevivir a una cena familiar infernal— pronto se convierte en algo mucho más real. Aunque vienen de mundos diferentes y ambos arrastran inseguridades, su conexión es genuina. Luke cae primero, y cae fuerte: es atento, dulce y tremendamente leal. Stella, por su parte, se resiste a abrirse, pero poco a poco descubre que puede dejar entrar el amor sin perderse a sí misma.
El libro es ágil, entretenido y con una química muy natural entre los protagonistas. Destaca la evolución de ambos: Luke es el típico “dream boyfriend material”, y Stella pasa de ser una protagonista difícil de entender a una mujer compleja, con heridas que la autora trata con sensibilidad y realismo.
También merece mención especial el grupo de amigos secundarios —Keets, Rory y Beck—, que aportan humor, calidez y ese sentimiento de “familia elegida” que tanto se agradece en historias de este tipo.
Es una novela debut y es una lectura muy disfrutable, con momentos tiernos, divertidos y emotivos. En definitiva, Between the Lines es un fake dating con corazón, ideal para quienes buscan una historia romántica fresca, ligera y con personajes que evolucionan y aprenden a sanar.
October 9, 2025
Wow what a debut novel!!
Is there any better feeling than reading a book that you cannot stop reading?
That’s exactly what type of book this is!
Right from the start I was hook, line and sinker for Luke and Stella!
Stella likes to keep boys at a distance with the mindset of it’s casual, it’s simple. Until she realises her friends are worried about her.
Luke is a tattooed, hot bartender who needs a date to a family reunion to keep his parents happy.
The two agree to fake date - stopping Stella’s friends from being concerned, and keeping Luke’s parents happy.
Stella and Luke aren’t too dissimilar - for different reasons, neither of them feel like they are good enough. Although they are fake dating, their friendship is very real - they care for each other, look out for each other and want to make sure the other is OK. They enjoy each others company and slowly their fake dating situation doesn’t seem so fake anymore.
Reading as the relationship, and the characters grew and developed throughout the book was beautiful to read (we love a man who’s in touch with his emotions around here).
Special shout out to the best friends Keets, Rory and Beck - having friends that support you no matter what is so important in life, it was so heartwarming reading all of their relationships with Stella and Luke, and seeing how they became one big group!
The emotions were real reading this book - happiness, sadness, empathy, most importantly relatability… and I loved every word!
Is there any better feeling than reading a book that you cannot stop reading?
That’s exactly what type of book this is!
Right from the start I was hook, line and sinker for Luke and Stella!
Stella likes to keep boys at a distance with the mindset of it’s casual, it’s simple. Until she realises her friends are worried about her.
Luke is a tattooed, hot bartender who needs a date to a family reunion to keep his parents happy.
The two agree to fake date - stopping Stella’s friends from being concerned, and keeping Luke’s parents happy.
Stella and Luke aren’t too dissimilar - for different reasons, neither of them feel like they are good enough. Although they are fake dating, their friendship is very real - they care for each other, look out for each other and want to make sure the other is OK. They enjoy each others company and slowly their fake dating situation doesn’t seem so fake anymore.
Reading as the relationship, and the characters grew and developed throughout the book was beautiful to read (we love a man who’s in touch with his emotions around here).
Special shout out to the best friends Keets, Rory and Beck - having friends that support you no matter what is so important in life, it was so heartwarming reading all of their relationships with Stella and Luke, and seeing how they became one big group!
The emotions were real reading this book - happiness, sadness, empathy, most importantly relatability… and I loved every word!
October 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it touched my emotions (I was crying at the end) but also had me swooning and laughing. This book started out as a pretty simple sort of fake dating thing. She’s a no commitment sort of girl but he’s more of an all in guy, and I guess that sort of sounds like a disaster in the making. Stella needs to get her best friend off her back and Luke needs to prove to his parents that he’s doing good. This is the best kind of he falls first AND HARDER. This man is so dedicated and he’s willing to wait as long as it takes. He wins her over slowly, with each caring action that he did, and he was literally the sweetest. Honestly both of them have such sad backstories but in the end it ties up really really well. I personally really liked the ending, I felt so much. Luke resolved his family problems and he made up with his brother. As someone with a sibling, I get what it feels like to be compared and my brother and I were at each other’s heads for years before we worked it out. And I loved how Stella started seeing how strong she was, through the help of Luke and her best friend Keet. I loved Keet so much! I really enjoyed this book and give it a 4/5
Read
October 2, 2025Stella Faraday ha aprendido a sobrevivir construyendo muros: contra su familia, contra los recuerdos de una relación marcada por la violencia y contra cualquier atisbo de vulnerabilidad. Para ella, el amor es sinónimo de dolor.
Luke Astor, en cambio, es todo lo opuesto. Extrovertido, bromista y con una lealtad inquebrantable hacia sus amigos, parece tener la vida resuelta. Pero detrás de su sonrisa también guarda cicatrices y un hogar roto.
Cuando un trato improvisado los lleva a fingir una relación, ninguno de los dos espera que esa mentira se convierta en el espacio donde empiecen a sanar. Entre citas falsas, discusiones chispeantes y silencios cargados de verdad, Stella y Lucas descubrirán que a veces lo que más miedo da no es el dolor, sino permitirse ser amados de verdad.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
Luke Astor, en cambio, es todo lo opuesto. Extrovertido, bromista y con una lealtad inquebrantable hacia sus amigos, parece tener la vida resuelta. Pero detrás de su sonrisa también guarda cicatrices y un hogar roto.
Cuando un trato improvisado los lleva a fingir una relación, ninguno de los dos espera que esa mentira se convierta en el espacio donde empiecen a sanar. Entre citas falsas, discusiones chispeantes y silencios cargados de verdad, Stella y Lucas descubrirán que a veces lo que más miedo da no es el dolor, sino permitirse ser amados de verdad.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
October 19, 2025
spgibsonauthor wrote a beautiful 4.5 star read. The enemies to lovers was great. The sunshine of Stella and grump of Luke was amazing. A nice slow build to full on love. They both fought it so wonderfully. The story line was also amazing with some real life must work through problems. You see why they both are guarded and why Luke is so “grumpy” and Stella is such sunshine to those around her. The characters were developed in a way that kept you reading to see how they would grow next. The found family and friendships were easy to picture having in real life. It was a book that allowed me to feel like i was a fly on the wall in someone’s life that was unfolding before me. I will definitely be reading what ever books she drops next. It definitely helped break through the reading slump I have been drudging though.
October 23, 2025
*ARC Read*
This was such a great fake dating novel. I loved all of the banter throughout the book and that there was humor throughout. I can't get on board with a book without some humor in there. I honestly felt so sorry for Luke. He was such a great person and just wanted someone to be proud of him, and his family was awful (well minus the brother that ended up redeeming himself). I loved how supportive Luke was to all of his friends even though he was dealing with so many difficult things. I also really appreciated the therapy aspect of this book and showing readers how important it is to work on yourself first before you can be in healthy relationships (lovers or friends). I really hated Stella's trauma, but the fact that she was finally able to face her demons was such a great endcap to the story!
This was such a great fake dating novel. I loved all of the banter throughout the book and that there was humor throughout. I can't get on board with a book without some humor in there. I honestly felt so sorry for Luke. He was such a great person and just wanted someone to be proud of him, and his family was awful (well minus the brother that ended up redeeming himself). I loved how supportive Luke was to all of his friends even though he was dealing with so many difficult things. I also really appreciated the therapy aspect of this book and showing readers how important it is to work on yourself first before you can be in healthy relationships (lovers or friends). I really hated Stella's trauma, but the fact that she was finally able to face her demons was such a great endcap to the story!
October 14, 2025
***ARC review***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
For a debut novel, the book certainly made you work for your happy ending. And that’s a good thing.
I would classify this as a slow burn, which sometimes did feel like a slog but was meaningful to the journey the characters go through over the course of the story. Much like life, you need to do some boring things, eat healthy, exercise, build community, in order to grow as a person. I liked that this book doesnt shy away from showing that growth doesn’t happen overnight and you need to be intentional in your choices.
I understand that I may not be the target demographic for this (university aged people seems more the audience) but it was a nice read.
I did notice there were some typos sprinkled in the text but otherwise enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
For a debut novel, the book certainly made you work for your happy ending. And that’s a good thing.
I would classify this as a slow burn, which sometimes did feel like a slog but was meaningful to the journey the characters go through over the course of the story. Much like life, you need to do some boring things, eat healthy, exercise, build community, in order to grow as a person. I liked that this book doesnt shy away from showing that growth doesn’t happen overnight and you need to be intentional in your choices.
I understand that I may not be the target demographic for this (university aged people seems more the audience) but it was a nice read.
I did notice there were some typos sprinkled in the text but otherwise enjoyable.
October 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first book in the Black Lantern series, and what a way to kick things off! ✨
Stella is fiery, confident, and utterly lovable, with a character that grows beautifully throughout the story. 💕 Luke is caring, supportive, and charming, but there’s so much more to him than meets the eye.
Their chemistry is electric, and every scene they share, especially their witty banter, is charged with tension. They complement each other perfectly, helping each other grow and heal.
At its heart, this book is a journey of two people navigating challenges, pressure, and the path to love. 💚
Tropes:
* Fake dating
* Small town setting
* Found family
* Slow burn
* He falls first and Harder
* Sworn off relationships
* Tattooed lover boy mmc
* Confident fmc
The first book in the Black Lantern series, and what a way to kick things off! ✨
Stella is fiery, confident, and utterly lovable, with a character that grows beautifully throughout the story. 💕 Luke is caring, supportive, and charming, but there’s so much more to him than meets the eye.
Their chemistry is electric, and every scene they share, especially their witty banter, is charged with tension. They complement each other perfectly, helping each other grow and heal.
At its heart, this book is a journey of two people navigating challenges, pressure, and the path to love. 💚
Tropes:
* Fake dating
* Small town setting
* Found family
* Slow burn
* He falls first and Harder
* Sworn off relationships
* Tattooed lover boy mmc
* Confident fmc
October 13, 2025
DEBUT NOVEL?! That’s crazy, this book I feel was written extremely well and was carried in a perfect way.
Stella and Luke are both looking for some help and decide to fake date each other, there’s some past with Stella that makes it hard for her to show real emotion and this allows for her to open her shell without realizing it in some spots. Luke is head over heels from the jump and we always love that in a man, I love seeing the growth in both of these characters and the backbone that both of them developed with the help of each other. Honestly I cannot wait to read more from Gibson!
Thank you so much for the arc I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Stella and Luke are both looking for some help and decide to fake date each other, there’s some past with Stella that makes it hard for her to show real emotion and this allows for her to open her shell without realizing it in some spots. Luke is head over heels from the jump and we always love that in a man, I love seeing the growth in both of these characters and the backbone that both of them developed with the help of each other. Honestly I cannot wait to read more from Gibson!
Thank you so much for the arc I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
October 12, 2025
📖: Between the Lines | S. P. Gibson
📚: Black Lantern
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 🌶️🌶️
**arc review**
Fake dating is always a good idea. He needs a date for a family event and she needs a cover because her friends are worried about her. The trauma representation and healing was done so well. Also they’re in Australia. I’m not sure if I’d read any book that I can remember where the setting was Australia. So that was nice.
I found a couple plot holes, or maybe that’s not the right word. I just have some questions. Maybe they’ll be answered in future books.
📚: Black Lantern
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 🌶️🌶️
**arc review**
Fake dating is always a good idea. He needs a date for a family event and she needs a cover because her friends are worried about her. The trauma representation and healing was done so well. Also they’re in Australia. I’m not sure if I’d read any book that I can remember where the setting was Australia. So that was nice.
I found a couple plot holes, or maybe that’s not the right word. I just have some questions. Maybe they’ll be answered in future books.
October 7, 2025
Over the course of this book I fell in love with Luke and Stella. Luke seems like the perfect cinnamon roll/golden retriever boyfriend (but with tattoos of course ;) )
I really could relate with Stella’s story by the end of the book and it made me emotional to see how she grew into herself.
The fake bedroom scene and the Christmas scene were my favorites.
If you’re looking for a romance that is hopeful, emotional, a bit funny, and full of character growth… this is for you.
I really could relate with Stella’s story by the end of the book and it made me emotional to see how she grew into herself.
The fake bedroom scene and the Christmas scene were my favorites.
If you’re looking for a romance that is hopeful, emotional, a bit funny, and full of character growth… this is for you.
October 14, 2025
***ARC Review***
4 stars
2/5 spice rating
I thought this was a great debut novel. By the end, I loved the characters, and definitely want to hear more from them in future books.
I loved the contrast between Stella and Luke. They are polar opposites, yet still find enough common ground to understand each other and what they need.
Favourite tropes:
Fake dating
Found family
He falls first!
4 stars
2/5 spice rating
I thought this was a great debut novel. By the end, I loved the characters, and definitely want to hear more from them in future books.
I loved the contrast between Stella and Luke. They are polar opposites, yet still find enough common ground to understand each other and what they need.
Favourite tropes:
Fake dating
Found family
He falls first!
October 19, 2025
Between the Lines absolutely wrecked me in the best way. The emotion in this book felt so real — raw, honest, and completely gripping. I was hooked from the start and just couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so genuine, and I loved how S.P. Gibson captured all the messy, beautiful parts of love and life.
It’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you finish. I felt everything reading this one. I’ll definitely be picking up more from S.P. Gibson after this! 💕
It’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you finish. I felt everything reading this one. I’ll definitely be picking up more from S.P. Gibson after this! 💕
October 19, 2025
A sweet, and emotional romance which gave Stella and Luke a great dynamic. Their story felt vulnerable, and found family in a way that made it feel believable. The fake dating trope is done well, and the side character friendships add a lot to the story.
October 2, 2025
This book was really good I enjoyed watching Stella let her guard down. She is the complete opposite of Luke who is very outgoing and fun. They are good together. I would recommend this book
October 9, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I really liked the story and the characters. I had a hard time with a lot of typos though. Hopefully they get corrected before it goes out to the public
October 30, 2025
*Full Review Pending*
He reminds her of someone who broke her. She doesn't like him, doesn't want him, even if he's irresistibly hot... right?
He's definitely into her but he doesn't do casual. He's a hopeless romantic that craves a connection. And she has more game than his boys, which is impressive.
Set in a small university town we have Stella & Luke, 2 good looking college students that happen to fall into each other's orbit. Both find themselves in situations that require partners. Luke to satiate his up tight, upper class family & Stella as a beard for her frivolity w/ casual hook ups. Mutually agreeing to "fake- date" each other, does it end up turning into more?
This book has
fake dating
forced proximity
he falls first
slow burn
I liked where this book was headed but there were a few flaws for me. Partly because it felt a lil YA with the whole academia aspect, but tried to give it the bar/bartender angle to make the characters a bit more mature. For the record its NOT YA but it kinda gives off those vibes at times.
I think its a solid 1st book in a series to build up the character groups, so I'd be curious to see how this whole series plays out!
He reminds her of someone who broke her. She doesn't like him, doesn't want him, even if he's irresistibly hot... right?
He's definitely into her but he doesn't do casual. He's a hopeless romantic that craves a connection. And she has more game than his boys, which is impressive.
Set in a small university town we have Stella & Luke, 2 good looking college students that happen to fall into each other's orbit. Both find themselves in situations that require partners. Luke to satiate his up tight, upper class family & Stella as a beard for her frivolity w/ casual hook ups. Mutually agreeing to "fake- date" each other, does it end up turning into more?
This book has
fake dating
forced proximity
he falls first
slow burn
I liked where this book was headed but there were a few flaws for me. Partly because it felt a lil YA with the whole academia aspect, but tried to give it the bar/bartender angle to make the characters a bit more mature. For the record its NOT YA but it kinda gives off those vibes at times.
I think its a solid 1st book in a series to build up the character groups, so I'd be curious to see how this whole series plays out!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews