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Between the Lines
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50 copies available
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Sadie Reed never expected to be thirty-two, freshly heartbroken, and sleeping on her best friend’s couch after ending a relationship that slowly erased every piece of who she used to be. She spends her days editing other people’s stories, championing their words and their dreams, while quietly burying her own. Desperate for a new beginning, she accepts a risky assignment: travel to a small English village and coax reclusive literary genius Corbyn Pearce back to the page.
Corbyn is everything Sadie doesn’t have the energy for: prickly, brilliant, stubborn, and hiding more wounds than he will ever admit. Scarred inside and out by a devastating accident, he has built his life on keeping people out, especially editors, especially editors like her.
But somewhere between creative battles, shared secrets, and the warmth of a village that refuses to let either of them fall through the cracks, Sadie and Corbyn begin to find something neither of them were expecting: a chance to heal.
When a painful confrontation from Sadie’s past collides with a long-forgotten moment from Corbyn’s, their connection deepens into something impossible to ignore and even harder to walk away from.
Now Sadie must choose whether she is ready to reclaim her voice, her future, and the love she once thought she would never deserve.
Between the Lines is a tender, slow-burn romance about resilience, trauma recovery, found family, fate, and the power of rewriting your own story.
Corbyn is everything Sadie doesn’t have the energy for: prickly, brilliant, stubborn, and hiding more wounds than he will ever admit. Scarred inside and out by a devastating accident, he has built his life on keeping people out, especially editors, especially editors like her.
But somewhere between creative battles, shared secrets, and the warmth of a village that refuses to let either of them fall through the cracks, Sadie and Corbyn begin to find something neither of them were expecting: a chance to heal.
When a painful confrontation from Sadie’s past collides with a long-forgotten moment from Corbyn’s, their connection deepens into something impossible to ignore and even harder to walk away from.
Now Sadie must choose whether she is ready to reclaim her voice, her future, and the love she once thought she would never deserve.
Between the Lines is a tender, slow-burn romance about resilience, trauma recovery, found family, fate, and the power of rewriting your own story.
290 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 6, 2026
31 people are currently reading
1764 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Magruder
1 book37 followersTracey Magruder writes romance stories filled with heart, humor, and the kind of emotional chemistry that refuses to be ignored. A lifelong storyteller and music instructor by day, she’s spent years helping others find their voice—now she’s finally using hers on the page.
Whether she’s crafting modern love stories or building worlds with a touch of magic, Tracey is most at home writing characters who feel real, messy, and impossible not to root for. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, spending time with her family, or daydreaming about her next novel.
Whether she’s crafting modern love stories or building worlds with a touch of magic, Tracey is most at home writing characters who feel real, messy, and impossible not to root for. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, spending time with her family, or daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ .5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: March 22, 2025
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
📚 Tropes/Themes: grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, healing, writer MCs, forced proximity, flashbacks, disability Rep, slow burn, found family, protective MMC
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
💔 Triggers: mentions of DV, emotional abuse, assault, stalking, PTSD, panic attacks
💬 Wow. Just wow. I'm so impressed- this was a fabulous read that sucked me in so fast. Idk, it's just the best book to read cuddled up on your couch with a cozy blanket. I don't make the rules 🤷🏼♀️
I'm struggling to organize my thoughts so rapid fire things I liked:
⭐ I think my favorite bit was how they actually met 16 years ago and had that instant connection, but didn't realize it until the end.
⭐ Corbyn is the good kind of grumpy 😂 I don't like asshole grumpy characters, just the endearingly grumpy ones.
⭐ Beauty and the Beast vibes
⭐ Cozy, small town setting with supportive side characters. I don't often remember them but I did here, esp Maggie and Edie.
⭐ The slow burn tension. Normally I'd be annoyed about how long it takes to get together but idk it really worked for me here
⭐ Both MCs felt really authentic, fleshed out and relatable
⭐ Low spice. Not usually my thing but it really worked here and I enjoyed how it kept the focus more on their character growth arc
My biggest complaint is that I would have preferred more info/wrap-up in the epilogue, it doesn't detract from the story. I was just so invested I wasn't ready to give Corbyn and Sadie up.
🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 Sequel?! I think Ellie needs a returning home/childhood bestie or brothers bestie/it's always been you/second chance story 😂
🌶️ .5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: March 22, 2025
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
📚 Tropes/Themes: grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, healing, writer MCs, forced proximity, flashbacks, disability Rep, slow burn, found family, protective MMC
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
💔 Triggers: mentions of DV, emotional abuse, assault, stalking, PTSD, panic attacks
💬 Wow. Just wow. I'm so impressed- this was a fabulous read that sucked me in so fast. Idk, it's just the best book to read cuddled up on your couch with a cozy blanket. I don't make the rules 🤷🏼♀️
I'm struggling to organize my thoughts so rapid fire things I liked:
⭐ I think my favorite bit was how they actually met 16 years ago and had that instant connection, but didn't realize it until the end.
⭐ Corbyn is the good kind of grumpy 😂 I don't like asshole grumpy characters, just the endearingly grumpy ones.
⭐ Beauty and the Beast vibes
⭐ Cozy, small town setting with supportive side characters. I don't often remember them but I did here, esp Maggie and Edie.
⭐ The slow burn tension. Normally I'd be annoyed about how long it takes to get together but idk it really worked for me here
⭐ Both MCs felt really authentic, fleshed out and relatable
⭐ Low spice. Not usually my thing but it really worked here and I enjoyed how it kept the focus more on their character growth arc
My biggest complaint is that I would have preferred more info/wrap-up in the epilogue, it doesn't detract from the story. I was just so invested I wasn't ready to give Corbyn and Sadie up.
🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 Sequel?! I think Ellie needs a returning home/childhood bestie or brothers bestie/it's always been you/second chance story 😂
January 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Between the Lines, the debut novel by Tracey Magruder. I enjoyed the story of Sadie and Corbyn, two scarred people - one emotionally, one physically - coming together for the common goal of finishing Corbyn's first novel since surviving a horrific car accident four years earlier. As this is a romance, they, of course, have an unexpected past connection. Sadie and Corbyn have a good deal of depth as characters, though, for me, their individual personalities were not well developed.
While the story and the character arcs earned 4 out of 5 stars from me, the writing let Magruder's debut down. Right from the opening scene, with an encounter on the London Underground, complete with locking eyes and time standing still, I had a bad feeling about the writing. I hoped that it was just the description through the eyes of a 17-year-old girl, but unfortunately, as the romance storyline built, so did the repetition of racing hearts, locked eyes, and several other romantic cliches. For me, the most convincingly written scene was the climactic scene between Sadie and her ex-fiancé. Magruder clearly has potential, but this one needs polishing before it is released on February 5, 2026.
While the story and the character arcs earned 4 out of 5 stars from me, the writing let Magruder's debut down. Right from the opening scene, with an encounter on the London Underground, complete with locking eyes and time standing still, I had a bad feeling about the writing. I hoped that it was just the description through the eyes of a 17-year-old girl, but unfortunately, as the romance storyline built, so did the repetition of racing hearts, locked eyes, and several other romantic cliches. For me, the most convincingly written scene was the climactic scene between Sadie and her ex-fiancé. Magruder clearly has potential, but this one needs polishing before it is released on February 5, 2026.
December 9, 2025
I received this as an eARC from BookSirens and am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
I was immediately struck by how well-developed the characters are and how naturally their relationship unfolds. The female protagonist, in particular, stands out. Her traumatic background is handled with such sensitivity, adding meaningful depth to her actions and emotional responses. It also equips her to manage her difficult client with remarkable patience and composure. Even when he’s stubborn or moody, she meets each moment with a steadiness that feels both authentic and admirable.
I also love how their work together becomes a shared path toward healing. Though they’re recovering from entirely different wounds, the author shows how their interactions open space for growth, understanding, and emotional restoration. Their individual journeys don’t overshadow one another; instead, they intertwine in a way that feels organic, balanced, and genuinely transformative.
On a personal note, I deeply resonated with the way Riley came into Corbyn’s life. It reminded me of how my own Riley arrived at a time when I didn’t even realize I needed something—or someone—else to care for. Sometimes the right pet walks into your world and quietly becomes a source of grounding, comfort, and healing. Seeing that mirrored in the story made those moments feel especially meaningful and emotional for me.
I was immediately struck by how well-developed the characters are and how naturally their relationship unfolds. The female protagonist, in particular, stands out. Her traumatic background is handled with such sensitivity, adding meaningful depth to her actions and emotional responses. It also equips her to manage her difficult client with remarkable patience and composure. Even when he’s stubborn or moody, she meets each moment with a steadiness that feels both authentic and admirable.
I also love how their work together becomes a shared path toward healing. Though they’re recovering from entirely different wounds, the author shows how their interactions open space for growth, understanding, and emotional restoration. Their individual journeys don’t overshadow one another; instead, they intertwine in a way that feels organic, balanced, and genuinely transformative.
On a personal note, I deeply resonated with the way Riley came into Corbyn’s life. It reminded me of how my own Riley arrived at a time when I didn’t even realize I needed something—or someone—else to care for. Sometimes the right pet walks into your world and quietly becomes a source of grounding, comfort, and healing. Seeing that mirrored in the story made those moments feel especially meaningful and emotional for me.
January 26, 2026
Between the Lines by Tracey Magruder is a slow burn romance, but it is the kind that sneaks up on you quietly and then suddenly you realize you care deeply about everyone’s feelings. Sadie travels to a small village to work as the editor for reclusive author Corbyn Pearce, staying at an inn just outside his home while trying to get his long overdue novel finished.
Corbyn is one of the grumpiest characters I have read in a while, and somehow I found myself completely loving him. Sadie, on the other hand, brings just the right amount of sass and determination to match his energy, which made their dynamic especially fun to read. Watching their relationship unfold slowly felt natural and emotionally satisfying, and their grumpy x sunshine tension was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Ellie’s character also stood out to me in such a special way. She helped tie the story together and really brought out the family and heart behind everything, which added so much warmth to the overall reading experience.
This was absolutely an ARC worth reading, and I am so grateful to both Tracey Magruder and Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to read it early. I loved the grumpy x sunshine aspect of this book and will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it is published.
Corbyn is one of the grumpiest characters I have read in a while, and somehow I found myself completely loving him. Sadie, on the other hand, brings just the right amount of sass and determination to match his energy, which made their dynamic especially fun to read. Watching their relationship unfold slowly felt natural and emotionally satisfying, and their grumpy x sunshine tension was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Ellie’s character also stood out to me in such a special way. She helped tie the story together and really brought out the family and heart behind everything, which added so much warmth to the overall reading experience.
This was absolutely an ARC worth reading, and I am so grateful to both Tracey Magruder and Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to read it early. I loved the grumpy x sunshine aspect of this book and will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it is published.
January 15, 2026
This was so heartfelt and enjoyable! As a book lover I found I was really engrossed in the whole book editing storyline. It gave me Beauty and The Beast vibes mixed with a bit of Jane Eyre.
The setting of Great Missenden was described really well and has made me want to visit and complete some of the hikes mentioned. It would be great to see if the bench that features in a particular hike is actually there. The village itself sounds so perfectly British.
The main relationship didn’t feel forced at all and it progressed really naturally as they both healed. I was rooting for them to find their way to each other the whole way through. The prior missed connection was everything.
Riley (the dog) was the best side character.
Definitely makes me want to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Victory Editing and Tracey Magruder for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The setting of Great Missenden was described really well and has made me want to visit and complete some of the hikes mentioned. It would be great to see if the bench that features in a particular hike is actually there. The village itself sounds so perfectly British.
The main relationship didn’t feel forced at all and it progressed really naturally as they both healed. I was rooting for them to find their way to each other the whole way through. The prior missed connection was everything.
Riley (the dog) was the best side character.
Definitely makes me want to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Victory Editing and Tracey Magruder for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2026
I finished this book in just over a day! What a heartwarming debut!
The beginning is a little slow for me, but once Sadie lands in England the pacing really evens out and I got sucked into the story. Sadie is on the back of a bad breakup with a terrible ex (check the trigger warnings), and is adrift. Meeting Corbyn is the best thing that could happen to her.
I love love LOVE the dynamic of hermit author missing deadlines and stubborn yet traumatised editor hounding him. The plot damn near writes itself. Between the Lines is the perfect example of a slow burn contemporary romance! The pair build up a solid working relationship, then a friendship, and then more - all without feeling rushed. If anything, there are perhaps a bit too many almost-moments towards the end that get a little repetitive. This romance feels realistic and it's all the more wholesome for it. It's as though the pairing were set on a simmer, just the right amount of anticipation all the way through to the end.
The only other area I found a bit lacking, was the subplot around Sadie's writing journey and how it connected to the prologue that's then weaved throughout the book. It's sweet to imagine that Sadie and Corbyn's love was fated, but I genuinely don't think the story needed it! And I was so interested in Corbyn's progress with his book that I would've loved to have had more of a conclusion to that arc instead of focusing on Sadie's writing.
I love the family she finds in Edie and Paul, Maggie and the other patrons at the local pub. There's an overwhelming feeling of acceptance and community that always sets the foundation for a great small-town romance. Though I would've liked it more if Sadie's best friend and boss had a more active role beyond just checking in maybe 2-3 times over the course of the story. However, that's more than made up for by Corbyn's dog Riley - a very empathetic hound that always knows the right thing to do.
Overall, I think that anyone who loves a slow burn contemporary romance with a bookish setting would really enjoy Between the Lines. It's well-written, genuine, and I physically couldn't put it down!
Thank you to Tracey Magruder for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The beginning is a little slow for me, but once Sadie lands in England the pacing really evens out and I got sucked into the story. Sadie is on the back of a bad breakup with a terrible ex (check the trigger warnings), and is adrift. Meeting Corbyn is the best thing that could happen to her.
I love love LOVE the dynamic of hermit author missing deadlines and stubborn yet traumatised editor hounding him. The plot damn near writes itself. Between the Lines is the perfect example of a slow burn contemporary romance! The pair build up a solid working relationship, then a friendship, and then more - all without feeling rushed. If anything, there are perhaps a bit too many almost-moments towards the end that get a little repetitive. This romance feels realistic and it's all the more wholesome for it. It's as though the pairing were set on a simmer, just the right amount of anticipation all the way through to the end.
The only other area I found a bit lacking, was the subplot around Sadie's writing journey and how it connected to the prologue that's then weaved throughout the book. It's sweet to imagine that Sadie and Corbyn's love was fated, but I genuinely don't think the story needed it! And I was so interested in Corbyn's progress with his book that I would've loved to have had more of a conclusion to that arc instead of focusing on Sadie's writing.
I love the family she finds in Edie and Paul, Maggie and the other patrons at the local pub. There's an overwhelming feeling of acceptance and community that always sets the foundation for a great small-town romance. Though I would've liked it more if Sadie's best friend and boss had a more active role beyond just checking in maybe 2-3 times over the course of the story. However, that's more than made up for by Corbyn's dog Riley - a very empathetic hound that always knows the right thing to do.
Overall, I think that anyone who loves a slow burn contemporary romance with a bookish setting would really enjoy Between the Lines. It's well-written, genuine, and I physically couldn't put it down!
Thank you to Tracey Magruder for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, thank you, @NetGalley, for an ARC. 3.5 ⭐️🌶
I really like this book. I'm definitely a fan of literary people finding love with working on a book or in a book. This book is this trope for sure. This is very character driven book.
When a grumpy English writer meets his match with a stubborn American Editor. Each of them have their broken souls meet to find love too. I understand I love their romance. Plus, I love Riley, the Irish hound dog.
Another thing, I cried. I cried because I relate with Sadie's toxic ex and her healing from it. I also like side characters. The ending was okay.
I really like this book. I'm definitely a fan of literary people finding love with working on a book or in a book. This book is this trope for sure. This is very character driven book.
When a grumpy English writer meets his match with a stubborn American Editor. Each of them have their broken souls meet to find love too. I understand I love their romance. Plus, I love Riley, the Irish hound dog.
Another thing, I cried. I cried because I relate with Sadie's toxic ex and her healing from it. I also like side characters. The ending was okay.
January 24, 2026
Netgalley: Kindle - This was the perfect post-holiday winter read. The setting of this book was so absolutely perfect and the characters were all so charming. I loved the pacing, the true yearning. It was like a hallmark but not cheesy. It had some heavier themes but none of them overpowered the core but added ooomph to the story. I loved the growth and the love. I loved that they brought out the best, healed versions of each other. It was beautifully written and the dog really was a main character in the story which is always a huge bonus for me. It’s one of those details that makes the story feel more real. The ending was a little rushed - I would have liked to have seen it ironed a little longer but overall loved it. Fantastic debut novel.
Thank you netgalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you netgalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Wow, for a debut author, this book was really well done. A slow-burn, grumpy vs sunshine romance with Pride & Prejudice undertones. You follow two people who learn to open up and trust each other and in turn start to heal each other’s deep traumas. There is a beautiful background of found family and community to tie it together. My only complaint is I did feel the ending felt a tad rushed. There was so much build up and some earlier details were touched on briefly, but felt a tad too easily buttoned up and brushed aside. Also, I’m obsessed with the Irish wolfhound, Riley, I love him.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[ARC REVIEW 📖]
Between the Lines
Author : Tracey Magruder
Trigger alerts, please be aware : abuse (emotional & physical), assault, trauma / PTSD, & anxiety.
The story begins w/ protagonist Sadie Reed, working in publishing, suffered unforgivable abuse from her now ex-fiancé Nate who she was together with for a decade long.
As time passed, her bestfriend, roommate & boss Jessica Harper, a New York-based editorial director, offered her an opportunity she couldn't resist : an all-expense paid vacation to fly to Great Missenden - a town in Buckinghamshire, Heathrow, England, with the goal & purpose of bringing a famous author named Corbyn Pearce back to the world, after suffering writer's block following a tragic car crash accident.
With her resilience, bravery, unwavering drive, & convincing powers, despite the clash of perspectives, ideas & characteristics, she stayed professional & true to her purpose. What can the withdrawing well-known Corbyn do against that? Will there be indeed a way to save his book : "Writing Echoes of Ash" as well as his career?
For a debut novel, this was a hard-to-put-it-down type of book. The fluid narrative & plot of the story made it truly engaging, plus the characters were easily likeable!
Corbyn is the epitome of a "tsundere" type of character like in anime : harsh on the outside, soft on the inside. I found his grumpiness silly, like adult tantrums. 🤭 Although I have to say, he is not to be entirely blamed why he became that way, due to his traumatic experiences. 🥺
Sadie on the other hand, is a hardworking gal, despite her own struggles, continued to fight for her own place in the world where she finally belongs. 🥹
All in all, this is a fantastic beauty-and-the-beast vibed novel, heartwarming romance as well as a pleasant journey of healing together from painful past experiences.
P.S.
Riley is an adorable menace, I said what I said. 🐶
Thank you Netgalley & Victory Editing for this opportunity!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
Between the Lines
Author : Tracey Magruder
Trigger alerts, please be aware : abuse (emotional & physical), assault, trauma / PTSD, & anxiety.
The story begins w/ protagonist Sadie Reed, working in publishing, suffered unforgivable abuse from her now ex-fiancé Nate who she was together with for a decade long.
As time passed, her bestfriend, roommate & boss Jessica Harper, a New York-based editorial director, offered her an opportunity she couldn't resist : an all-expense paid vacation to fly to Great Missenden - a town in Buckinghamshire, Heathrow, England, with the goal & purpose of bringing a famous author named Corbyn Pearce back to the world, after suffering writer's block following a tragic car crash accident.
With her resilience, bravery, unwavering drive, & convincing powers, despite the clash of perspectives, ideas & characteristics, she stayed professional & true to her purpose. What can the withdrawing well-known Corbyn do against that? Will there be indeed a way to save his book : "Writing Echoes of Ash" as well as his career?
For a debut novel, this was a hard-to-put-it-down type of book. The fluid narrative & plot of the story made it truly engaging, plus the characters were easily likeable!
Corbyn is the epitome of a "tsundere" type of character like in anime : harsh on the outside, soft on the inside. I found his grumpiness silly, like adult tantrums. 🤭 Although I have to say, he is not to be entirely blamed why he became that way, due to his traumatic experiences. 🥺
Sadie on the other hand, is a hardworking gal, despite her own struggles, continued to fight for her own place in the world where she finally belongs. 🥹
All in all, this is a fantastic beauty-and-the-beast vibed novel, heartwarming romance as well as a pleasant journey of healing together from painful past experiences.
P.S.
Riley is an adorable menace, I said what I said. 🐶
Thank you Netgalley & Victory Editing for this opportunity!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
Review of advance copy
Between the Lines, a debut novel by Tracey Magruder, was such a sweet but emotionally impactful read! Sadie and Corbyn are the perfect match and walking with them as they helped each other through their own traumas to find their happy ending was a joy.
Sadie is a rockstar editor just coming out of a tough break up with her fiancé Nate. She needs a change of pace which leads her to moving across the world to help Corbyn finish his long overdue book. Corbyn is a grumpy curmudgeon who doesn't want anyone's help finishing his book or with anything at all. A horrible car accident a few years ago left him vulnerable and broken. But Sadie isn't taking his arguing and complaining which is just what Corbyn needs to get back on track.
I thought the author did a great job with the traumas for both characters. We almost find out just how abusive Nate really was to Sadie along with her. She doesn't see things clearly so as she has revelations at what she has gone through, we start to understand with her. I also love the found family aspect. Edie, Paul, Ellie, Maggie, and of course Riley are amazing support to both Corbyn and Sadie. But especially to Sadie as she is trying to figure out where she fits in.
I will say that I wish there were more scenes with them outside of Corbyn's manor. It drug on a little in the middle when they spent so much time doing the same thing in the same place.
Overall, this was a heart warming story of love and self-rediscovery. I really enjoyed it and recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sadie is a rockstar editor just coming out of a tough break up with her fiancé Nate. She needs a change of pace which leads her to moving across the world to help Corbyn finish his long overdue book. Corbyn is a grumpy curmudgeon who doesn't want anyone's help finishing his book or with anything at all. A horrible car accident a few years ago left him vulnerable and broken. But Sadie isn't taking his arguing and complaining which is just what Corbyn needs to get back on track.
I thought the author did a great job with the traumas for both characters. We almost find out just how abusive Nate really was to Sadie along with her. She doesn't see things clearly so as she has revelations at what she has gone through, we start to understand with her. I also love the found family aspect. Edie, Paul, Ellie, Maggie, and of course Riley are amazing support to both Corbyn and Sadie. But especially to Sadie as she is trying to figure out where she fits in.
I will say that I wish there were more scenes with them outside of Corbyn's manor. It drug on a little in the middle when they spent so much time doing the same thing in the same place.
Overall, this was a heart warming story of love and self-rediscovery. I really enjoyed it and recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2026
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, Tracey Magruder, for providing me with this ARC. 🥹💖
Firstly, congrats on your debut novel, Tracey! It was beautiful, heartwarming, and such a joy to read. The flashback scene and its resolution were so satisfying, and I loved the found family vibe — seeing Sadie find her place outside of her ex and build connections in a new setting. Both characters’ growth felt authentic: Corbyn learning to navigate his anxiety, and Sadie supporting him while also discovering herself.
Other highlights include Edie and Riley, who were both absolutely adorable, funny, and heartwarming, the cozy and immersive English setting, and the quiet, sweet moments that gradually build intimacy and make the romance feel so earned.
Small critique: the slow burn could have moved slightly faster at points, and I’d have liked a bit more about Sadie navigating her work life in England. Still, overall, it was an enjoyable, heartfelt debut.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes / Themes:
Slow-burn romance
Dual POV
Wounded hero / emotional healing
Forced proximity
Found family
Emotional vulnerability & trust
Protective hero
Dogs as emotional support
Recommended for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, dual POV, wounded heroes, emotional growth, and dogs that steal the show.
Firstly, congrats on your debut novel, Tracey! It was beautiful, heartwarming, and such a joy to read. The flashback scene and its resolution were so satisfying, and I loved the found family vibe — seeing Sadie find her place outside of her ex and build connections in a new setting. Both characters’ growth felt authentic: Corbyn learning to navigate his anxiety, and Sadie supporting him while also discovering herself.
Other highlights include Edie and Riley, who were both absolutely adorable, funny, and heartwarming, the cozy and immersive English setting, and the quiet, sweet moments that gradually build intimacy and make the romance feel so earned.
Small critique: the slow burn could have moved slightly faster at points, and I’d have liked a bit more about Sadie navigating her work life in England. Still, overall, it was an enjoyable, heartfelt debut.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes / Themes:
Slow-burn romance
Dual POV
Wounded hero / emotional healing
Forced proximity
Found family
Emotional vulnerability & trust
Protective hero
Dogs as emotional support
Recommended for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, dual POV, wounded heroes, emotional growth, and dogs that steal the show.
January 8, 2026
Thank you to Tracey Magruder for the opportunity to read your debut ARC!
This was such a quietly beautiful read. Between the Lines takes its time and lets the characters breathe, which made everything feel real and earned. Sadie’s journey felt especially honest - her healing isn’t rushed or magically fixed, and I really appreciated that!!
Corbyn is closed-off, grumpy, and frustrating in the most believable way, and their dynamic is built through conversation, tension, and small moments rather than big dramatic gestures. The slow burn worked well, and the emotional payoff felt genuine.
My only small critique is that the opening introduces quite a few characters very quickly, and I would have loved a little more space early on to fully settle into Sadie’s perspective before meeting everyone else. Once the story found its rhythm, though, I was completely hooked.
The cozyyyy English village setting and side characters added so much warmth, and by the end I genuinely wasn’t ready to leave this story behind.
Such a strong, thoughtful debut - I’ll definitely be reading whatever Tracey writes next!!
This was such a quietly beautiful read. Between the Lines takes its time and lets the characters breathe, which made everything feel real and earned. Sadie’s journey felt especially honest - her healing isn’t rushed or magically fixed, and I really appreciated that!!
Corbyn is closed-off, grumpy, and frustrating in the most believable way, and their dynamic is built through conversation, tension, and small moments rather than big dramatic gestures. The slow burn worked well, and the emotional payoff felt genuine.
My only small critique is that the opening introduces quite a few characters very quickly, and I would have loved a little more space early on to fully settle into Sadie’s perspective before meeting everyone else. Once the story found its rhythm, though, I was completely hooked.
The cozyyyy English village setting and side characters added so much warmth, and by the end I genuinely wasn’t ready to leave this story behind.
Such a strong, thoughtful debut - I’ll definitely be reading whatever Tracey writes next!!
January 24, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the cover of this book I was excited to read it. Then I read the synopsis and I needed to read it.
We follow two character POVs in this story, Sadie and Corbyn. Corbyn is an author with a bad case of writer’s block after being involved in a bad car accident that left him scarred and angry, and Sadie, the editor sent to help him. She will be the third or fourth editor sent to Corbyn, all of her predecessors quit. It seems that Corbyn does not want help, and he is quite difficult to work with.
What follows is two people who want to get a book written and published, who begin to work as a team and slowly break all of the boundaries of a professional working relationship.
I loved reading from both POVs, especially when one character is fighting an internal battle and determined to not let the other person in, only to finally give in and realise they can’t be without the other person.
Between the lines was a beautifully written, slow burn romance that kept my attention the entire way through wanting to know how they finally get together. I wasn’t ready for their story to finish, but the ending was perfect and tied everything together so that all my questions were answered.
As soon as I saw the cover of this book I was excited to read it. Then I read the synopsis and I needed to read it.
We follow two character POVs in this story, Sadie and Corbyn. Corbyn is an author with a bad case of writer’s block after being involved in a bad car accident that left him scarred and angry, and Sadie, the editor sent to help him. She will be the third or fourth editor sent to Corbyn, all of her predecessors quit. It seems that Corbyn does not want help, and he is quite difficult to work with.
What follows is two people who want to get a book written and published, who begin to work as a team and slowly break all of the boundaries of a professional working relationship.
I loved reading from both POVs, especially when one character is fighting an internal battle and determined to not let the other person in, only to finally give in and realise they can’t be without the other person.
Between the lines was a beautifully written, slow burn romance that kept my attention the entire way through wanting to know how they finally get together. I wasn’t ready for their story to finish, but the ending was perfect and tied everything together so that all my questions were answered.
January 24, 2026
Hello, people!
This is a book that embraced me tenderly and with enthusiasm.
The whole plot had a smoothness and the characters, in addition to being well-written and well-made, also had the ideal chemistry that did not develop quickly but step by step, slowly and completely naturally, steadily and effortlessly. It had been a while since I read a book with such gradual development, without becoming tiring, and I really loved it for this reason.
The author's writing had it all, tenderness, romance, emotion and warmth. However, there were other parts that make you love it.
Also, on the plus side was the element of trauma, of the past that everything is tarnished with time and the hero emerges stronger, more human, who, of course, did not lose himself, his sensitivity, his humanity and his smile with what he experienced. On the contrary, he fought with the beasts of his wounds, healed his wounds, found the strength and psychology he needed and emerged unscathed and strong.
Finally, whether you are an animal lover or not, you will love this four-legged creature.
Don't skip it... Read it!
Thank you very much to the author and Hawthorn & Aster for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
This is a book that embraced me tenderly and with enthusiasm.
The whole plot had a smoothness and the characters, in addition to being well-written and well-made, also had the ideal chemistry that did not develop quickly but step by step, slowly and completely naturally, steadily and effortlessly. It had been a while since I read a book with such gradual development, without becoming tiring, and I really loved it for this reason.
The author's writing had it all, tenderness, romance, emotion and warmth. However, there were other parts that make you love it.
Also, on the plus side was the element of trauma, of the past that everything is tarnished with time and the hero emerges stronger, more human, who, of course, did not lose himself, his sensitivity, his humanity and his smile with what he experienced. On the contrary, he fought with the beasts of his wounds, healed his wounds, found the strength and psychology he needed and emerged unscathed and strong.
Finally, whether you are an animal lover or not, you will love this four-legged creature.
Don't skip it... Read it!
Thank you very much to the author and Hawthorn & Aster for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
January 24, 2026
Thank you to Tracey Magruder and Victory Editing NetGalley co-op for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
A grumpy vs sunshine romance with literature at the forefront AND an Irish wolfhound? *swoon* I loved this book! The back and forth between Sadie and Corbyn as they spar over the book editing process was so real, when something means so much to you it can be hard to take feedback so the process as written on the page felt very true to life for me as I was reading. Both main characters are on a journey of healing that is revealed and worked through layer by layer, and it left me just wanting to read one more chapter each time I sat down to read!
I felt like all the characters were well-written and fleshed out so I felt like I could really walk into The Roaring Stag and pick up with everyone in town like I was an old friend.
I will definitely be looking for more from Tracey Magruder!
A grumpy vs sunshine romance with literature at the forefront AND an Irish wolfhound? *swoon* I loved this book! The back and forth between Sadie and Corbyn as they spar over the book editing process was so real, when something means so much to you it can be hard to take feedback so the process as written on the page felt very true to life for me as I was reading. Both main characters are on a journey of healing that is revealed and worked through layer by layer, and it left me just wanting to read one more chapter each time I sat down to read!
I felt like all the characters were well-written and fleshed out so I felt like I could really walk into The Roaring Stag and pick up with everyone in town like I was an old friend.
I will definitely be looking for more from Tracey Magruder!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received this book through netgalley for free and this review is entirely what my thoughts are of the book
Halfway through the book:
Loving it so far. I'm finding it very cosy and easy to get into. My heart aches for him, and can understand his hate and anger but can also find a sense of vulnerability in it. The main f character is great in understanding him and doesn't hold it against him. They both are finding comfort in Each others company and everyone but themselves can see that. My favourite scene so far is when she massages the cream into hand, it was just wholesome as he allows himself to find comfort in it.
Finished:
I really liked it this book and thought the ending was super cute. I loved how they finally came to be and thought it was cute that the whole town was rooting for them and was protective.
Overall i give it 4 stars
Halfway through the book:
Loving it so far. I'm finding it very cosy and easy to get into. My heart aches for him, and can understand his hate and anger but can also find a sense of vulnerability in it. The main f character is great in understanding him and doesn't hold it against him. They both are finding comfort in Each others company and everyone but themselves can see that. My favourite scene so far is when she massages the cream into hand, it was just wholesome as he allows himself to find comfort in it.
Finished:
I really liked it this book and thought the ending was super cute. I loved how they finally came to be and thought it was cute that the whole town was rooting for them and was protective.
Overall i give it 4 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
This was such a sweet and heartfelt read, I really enjoyed this story and the characters. This is slow burn, grumpy/sunshine and giving very classic Beauty and the Beast vibes. My favorite part with this trope is watching the grumpy exterior of the MMC start to melt around the FMC and this did not disappoint. The pacing and yearning of the characters was perfect and swoony, watching their relationship unfold was just beautiful. Both Sadie and Corbyn had difficult pasts, but their journeys to healing felt very natural and I loved the way they helped each other through it. I thought the author did a wonderful job with the storyline, just a really well-developed, thoughtful debut novel from Tracy Magruder!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts!
January 24, 2026
I was asked to ARC review this book all thoughts and options are my own thank you to the author and team for allowing me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this cozy, slow-burn romance! The emotional healing was beautifully done watching the characters peel back their walls and grow felt so satisfying and heartfelt. The chemistry was warm and tender without rushing, which made the slow burn all the more worth it.
There were so many moments that made me smile, laugh, and even get a little emotional. And can we talk about the adorable dog?! Seriously, that furry little character added so much charm and sweetness to the story. I also appreciated how the romance wasn’t just about the love story, but about healing and finding confidence again it truly stuck with me long after I finished.
Highly recommend if you’re into cozy, character-driven romances with a sweet slow burn vibe.
I absolutely loved this cozy, slow-burn romance! The emotional healing was beautifully done watching the characters peel back their walls and grow felt so satisfying and heartfelt. The chemistry was warm and tender without rushing, which made the slow burn all the more worth it.
There were so many moments that made me smile, laugh, and even get a little emotional. And can we talk about the adorable dog?! Seriously, that furry little character added so much charm and sweetness to the story. I also appreciated how the romance wasn’t just about the love story, but about healing and finding confidence again it truly stuck with me long after I finished.
Highly recommend if you’re into cozy, character-driven romances with a sweet slow burn vibe.
January 16, 2026
A grumpy author with writer's block + an editor whose relationship fell apart = success!
I absolutely adored reading about Corbin and Sadie. The author developed all the characters so well I felt like I was fully immersed in the storyline......Sadie is sent on a project to England to help save a book and an author from himself. Both main characters suffer from traumatic events in their past that they can see in each other, and this creates a bond beyond the words on a page.
I cried, I smiled and I'm so happy I was able to read this book. I know this book was meant to be a one off but I'm dying for more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. The release date is set for February 6th, so you should add it to your TBR now.
I absolutely adored reading about Corbin and Sadie. The author developed all the characters so well I felt like I was fully immersed in the storyline......Sadie is sent on a project to England to help save a book and an author from himself. Both main characters suffer from traumatic events in their past that they can see in each other, and this creates a bond beyond the words on a page.
I cried, I smiled and I'm so happy I was able to read this book. I know this book was meant to be a one off but I'm dying for more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. The release date is set for February 6th, so you should add it to your TBR now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Welp, I accidentally read another book in less than 24 hours. It actually reminded me of Abby Jimenez's books - the characters have their own individual traumas to deal with, but they grow from them in a healthy, communicative way. This book was found family at its finest; done in a way that really snuck up on me. I didn't realize the community had really taken Sadie in until THAT moment and it hits you exactly as the author intended.
Also, just as an analytical side note, I LOVED how Tracey did Corbyn's revelation at lunch with his sister. The exact same way Sadie said it should be in his book because of the emotions it'll elicit in the reader. And those emotions were 100% elicited.
This was just an all-around good read.
Also, just as an analytical side note, I LOVED how Tracey did Corbyn's revelation at lunch with his sister. The exact same way Sadie said it should be in his book because of the emotions it'll elicit in the reader. And those emotions were 100% elicited.
This was just an all-around good read.
Read
January 23, 2026received this as an ARC through Hawthorn & Aster.
I fell in love with the premise when reading the blurb... and it certainly didn't disappoint ❤️❤️❤️😍
it was slow burn 🔥
could have wished for a bit more pining from them in the first half... but their slowly built friendship was so heartwarming and beautiful two scared souls (both physically and emotionally) finding a common ground through their love of writing.
its almost like beauty and the beast set in a modern world yet w vibes linking back to the old classic historical romances...
as an avid romance reader this really is what makes my heart and emotions tick... well done with this debut novel. it is certainly an author I want to keep following and reading whenever she has something new lined up.
I fell in love with the premise when reading the blurb... and it certainly didn't disappoint ❤️❤️❤️😍
it was slow burn 🔥
could have wished for a bit more pining from them in the first half... but their slowly built friendship was so heartwarming and beautiful two scared souls (both physically and emotionally) finding a common ground through their love of writing.
its almost like beauty and the beast set in a modern world yet w vibes linking back to the old classic historical romances...
as an avid romance reader this really is what makes my heart and emotions tick... well done with this debut novel. it is certainly an author I want to keep following and reading whenever she has something new lined up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an absolute joy! I fell in love with the characters and found myself internally cheering them on. I felt all the emotions and seriously cannot believe this is a debut novel! My only regret in reading this book is that the author doesn't have a backlist because I would devour every single title! I'm so thankful I was given the opportunity to receive and review an ARC and I look forward to more from this author!
January 25, 2026
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
This book was a delight to read. A grumpy to less grumpy trope with good dialogue and fun banter. I loved learning how a book editor can make a story better, tighter while still keeping the story in the author’s voice. Just a fun read with some tense moments to keep it interesting. Coming Feb. 6
Thank you to BookSiren and Tracey Macgruder for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
#BookSiren #TraceyMacgruder
This book was a delight to read. A grumpy to less grumpy trope with good dialogue and fun banter. I loved learning how a book editor can make a story better, tighter while still keeping the story in the author’s voice. Just a fun read with some tense moments to keep it interesting. Coming Feb. 6
Thank you to BookSiren and Tracey Macgruder for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
#BookSiren #TraceyMacgruder
December 11, 2025
Between the Lines by Tracey Magruder
This was such an interesting read! I dove into it while I had a few days off and was pleasantly surprised! The characters were very interesting and I enjoyed the plot!
This was such an interesting read! I dove into it while I had a few days off and was pleasantly surprised! The characters were very interesting and I enjoyed the plot!
January 1, 2026
I applied for this ARC via NetGalley - huge thank you to them and the author! I picked the book originally because of the colors on the cover but was sucked in and enjoyed reading about Sadie and Corbyn. Quick and fun read!
January 15, 2026
Great story, but the kindle scanned copy was a bit hard to read as it had dark backgrounds. Open door, slow burn, romance with dual points of view. Quick read.
January 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to read an arc version of this book!
It is such a cutesie read, I love the brooding and slow burn of this book - the characters challenges they have to overcome make you want to keep reading!
A great book to start the new year - best of luck with the official release 📚
It is such a cutesie read, I love the brooding and slow burn of this book - the characters challenges they have to overcome make you want to keep reading!
A great book to start the new year - best of luck with the official release 📚
November 30, 2025
What an impressive debut novel! I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work in the future!
The best way I can describe this book would be a modern day Beauty and the Beast.
It’s a slow-burn romance featuring a few of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, second chance romance, and a grumpy MMC.
If you’re looking for something super spicy, this probably isn’t the book for you. BUT if you’re looking for something sweet, easy to read and has a bit more depth than your typical romance, you will love this one!
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC.
The best way I can describe this book would be a modern day Beauty and the Beast.
It’s a slow-burn romance featuring a few of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, second chance romance, and a grumpy MMC.
If you’re looking for something super spicy, this probably isn’t the book for you. BUT if you’re looking for something sweet, easy to read and has a bit more depth than your typical romance, you will love this one!
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC.
January 22, 2026
As a writer (a painfully amateur one, but that’s not important for our purposes), I find something about novels with main characters who write uniquely delightful. If one of those novels happens to be a small-town, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine romance? I’m already on chapter three. I’ll pause, though, to tell you that author Tracey Magruder has woven an irresistible plot about Sadie Reed, a developmental editor whose confidence and sense of personal identity are still on unsteady ground in the aftermath of a dangerous relationship (checking content warnings is imperative here). Sadie’s friend and boss, Jess, knows just the thing to remedy the situation: she sends her friend to the small English village that famous mystery writer Corbyn Pearce calls home. The problem is that Corbyn, who was in a near-fatal car accident years before, is now a recluse whose stubbornness is nearly as impossible as his writer’s block. But Corbyn soon finds that Sadie, unlike the other editors Jess has sent his way, is unintimidated by his fame and his antics.
While I must reiterate the need to check content warnings, I have only the utmost praise for the painfully realistic yet tenderly hopeful way in which Tracey handles the more difficult subject matter included in this book. Meanwhile, all my favorite elements of a romance novel are present in this story — hopelessly gossipy but loving found family, a dog as beloved as any child, hilarious miscommunication between the main characters upon first meeting —- and a balancing act worthy of absolutely no fewer than five stars is the result. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
While I must reiterate the need to check content warnings, I have only the utmost praise for the painfully realistic yet tenderly hopeful way in which Tracey handles the more difficult subject matter included in this book. Meanwhile, all my favorite elements of a romance novel are present in this story — hopelessly gossipy but loving found family, a dog as beloved as any child, hilarious miscommunication between the main characters upon first meeting —- and a balancing act worthy of absolutely no fewer than five stars is the result. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
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