What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 06:29:04
100 copies available
U.S. only
Between the Lines
Not yet published
Expected 16 Feb 27Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 06:29:04
100 copies available
U.S. only
A steamy and emotionally resonant sapphic academic romance, from bestselling self-published author Haley Cass, where slow-burn chemistry, witty banter, and emotional vulnerability collide as two lonely professors find connection, healing, and love in unexpected places.
When Alyssa Burke relocates to a small upstate New York college for a desperately desired faculty position, she expects uncertainty, but not to be dumped before her first day even begins. Newly single, far from home, and determined to prove she belongs in the ivory tower, Alyssa throws herself into her new life.
Enter Whitney: brilliant, intimidating, impeccably composed...and newly divorced. A senior faculty member with a reputation as sharp as her wit, Whitney is everything Alyssa should avoid. But an unexpected encounter on a lonely winter night sparks a connection that neither of them can ignore.
What follows is a delicious slow-burn workplace romance, unfolding between stolen glances in hallways, whispered conversations, and the unspoken rules of academic life. As desire deepens and boundaries blur, both women must confront what they’re willing to risk for their reputations, for honesty, and for one another.
When Alyssa Burke relocates to a small upstate New York college for a desperately desired faculty position, she expects uncertainty, but not to be dumped before her first day even begins. Newly single, far from home, and determined to prove she belongs in the ivory tower, Alyssa throws herself into her new life.
Enter Whitney: brilliant, intimidating, impeccably composed...and newly divorced. A senior faculty member with a reputation as sharp as her wit, Whitney is everything Alyssa should avoid. But an unexpected encounter on a lonely winter night sparks a connection that neither of them can ignore.
What follows is a delicious slow-burn workplace romance, unfolding between stolen glances in hallways, whispered conversations, and the unspoken rules of academic life. As desire deepens and boundaries blur, both women must confront what they’re willing to risk for their reputations, for honesty, and for one another.
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 16, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 28, 2026
Haley Cass has the best interiority which leads to robust characters, as is the case here. Alyssa is Sunshine! It’s not just her name, it’s her personality over and over again- a joy to read. And then there’s Whitney. Private, raw, tender-hearted Whitney who’s had such a rough go and has so much to offer. (And her bff Claire, love!). Reading them was healing. I also liked the way Cass handled the workplace environment and Whitney’s former relationship and Alyssa’s brother- all deftly done. The only thing keeping this at 4 stars is the length- while of course I don’t mind reading more, I think some of it could be edited down, and I thought the opening banter could have been tighter. BUT don’t let that stop you because the romance is so worth it. Also, I’m very excited to see Haley Cass in bookstores, yay!
Short summary: After striving for years for a teaching position, Alyssa finally scores an interim professorship. She won’t let anything stand in the way of pursuing her dream, not even an unexpected connection with one of her colleagues. A colleague everyone else seems to steer clear of….
Thank you to Atria and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: After striving for years for a teaching position, Alyssa finally scores an interim professorship. She won’t let anything stand in the way of pursuing her dream, not even an unexpected connection with one of her colleagues. A colleague everyone else seems to steer clear of….
Thank you to Atria and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2026
Perfect. PERFECT. That’s the first word that came into my mind as I finished the book. Perfect charcters, perfect plot, perfect story, perfect ending. Everything was perfect. And if I could give it more than 5 stars i definitely would…
This book has everyone you need for it to be perfectly enjoyable and entertaining! A workplace romance, great banter and very fun. Colleague with benefits to lovers, enough spice for a steamy romance, age gap and opposites attract. And it being a sapphic romance with an insane chemistry between the characters. What more could you ask…
The characters…I don’t even know where to begin, because Whitney and Alyssa where such deep and beautiful characters, so well developed, and you can’t help but root for them until the very end. While they are very opposite to each other, and very different, they’re also driven by one common thing: their passion for teaching and their love for books.
Alyssa was such a sunshine, positive, brilliant and funny person. While Whitney is really the “don’t judge by the covers” type of characters. You think she’s a grumpy, very direct, intimidating and stoic person, when in fact, she’s a very strong woman, very smart and very warm to people who matters. And how I hated her ex husband omg….such an asshole, but also you can see how easy it was for the others teachers to take one side without even considering another point of view until Alyssa.
I loved that Whitney and Alyssa relationship was a slow burn (expect for the benefits part HAHAHAH) but they really had such a good chemistry, they got to know each other slowly, and slowly let themself be part of each other life. They also had a very good communication with each other since the start, which is something I deeply appreciated.
And the ending ? Loved it. It was something you knew was coming of course, but it’s great to be sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
This book has everyone you need for it to be perfectly enjoyable and entertaining! A workplace romance, great banter and very fun. Colleague with benefits to lovers, enough spice for a steamy romance, age gap and opposites attract. And it being a sapphic romance with an insane chemistry between the characters. What more could you ask…
The characters…I don’t even know where to begin, because Whitney and Alyssa where such deep and beautiful characters, so well developed, and you can’t help but root for them until the very end. While they are very opposite to each other, and very different, they’re also driven by one common thing: their passion for teaching and their love for books.
Alyssa was such a sunshine, positive, brilliant and funny person. While Whitney is really the “don’t judge by the covers” type of characters. You think she’s a grumpy, very direct, intimidating and stoic person, when in fact, she’s a very strong woman, very smart and very warm to people who matters. And how I hated her ex husband omg….such an asshole, but also you can see how easy it was for the others teachers to take one side without even considering another point of view until Alyssa.
I loved that Whitney and Alyssa relationship was a slow burn (expect for the benefits part HAHAHAH) but they really had such a good chemistry, they got to know each other slowly, and slowly let themself be part of each other life. They also had a very good communication with each other since the start, which is something I deeply appreciated.
And the ending ? Loved it. It was something you knew was coming of course, but it’s great to be sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
July 28, 2026
I love Haley Cass and everything she writes, and this book is no exception. There is nobody that does banter quite like her. This book checks a lot of trope boxes: academia/workplace romance, one night stand, ice queen, grumpy/sunshine (literally) — you name it. But somehow it succeeds in doing all of the tropes justice!
My one little complaint, if I may, is that this book follows a very similar Haley Cass recipe: a sort of power imbalance that restricts the two protagonists from being together, but their love is all worth it in the end. We saw it with Charlotte & Sutton, we saw it with Juliet & Darcy, and now with Whitney & Alyssa. And listen, don’t get me wrong, I eat it UP. But it is a pattern I noticed.
Anyway, it’s a well deserved 5 star read, and I’m so thrilled that we will see this book sold in stores! Haley Cass is so deserving of that recognition!
Thanks NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC! :)
My one little complaint, if I may, is that this book follows a very similar Haley Cass recipe: a sort of power imbalance that restricts the two protagonists from being together, but their love is all worth it in the end. We saw it with Charlotte & Sutton, we saw it with Juliet & Darcy, and now with Whitney & Alyssa. And listen, don’t get me wrong, I eat it UP. But it is a pattern I noticed.
Anyway, it’s a well deserved 5 star read, and I’m so thrilled that we will see this book sold in stores! Haley Cass is so deserving of that recognition!
Thanks NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC! :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HALEY CASS, the woman you are! I got approved for this ARC on Friday and then basically abandoned my entire family to read it in 2 days.
Haley Cass is the queen of sapphic contemporary romance. Her books are some of the very first I read when I came out in my mid 30s and her characters are ones I come back to over and over again. Haley Cass books are special, y'all.
Between the Lines is her first foray into traditional publishing (out February 2027 from Atria Books). I had an opportunity to read the first few chapters of a very early version of this book as a serial on Haley's Patreon (the best $10 I spend every month; I would sooner cancel Netflix) before she sold it and I fell in love with Whitney and Alyssa. I was SO thrilled for her, but I hoped that a trad-pub deal would not over-edit what Haley Cass is known for: yearning at its absolute finest (like Atria editors: we WANT the yearning!). I needn't have been worried because this book was SO excellent and my love for Whitney and Alyssa only grew!
This book has alllll my favorite romance moments, but its also just a love letter to nerds who read a lot.
Congratulations, Miss Cass on your trad pub debut. It is so well deserved! This will not be theast time I talk about this book; I plan to incorporate it in my day to day conversation until its release!
#haleycass #betweenlines #eARC #atria
Haley Cass is the queen of sapphic contemporary romance. Her books are some of the very first I read when I came out in my mid 30s and her characters are ones I come back to over and over again. Haley Cass books are special, y'all.
Between the Lines is her first foray into traditional publishing (out February 2027 from Atria Books). I had an opportunity to read the first few chapters of a very early version of this book as a serial on Haley's Patreon (the best $10 I spend every month; I would sooner cancel Netflix) before she sold it and I fell in love with Whitney and Alyssa. I was SO thrilled for her, but I hoped that a trad-pub deal would not over-edit what Haley Cass is known for: yearning at its absolute finest (like Atria editors: we WANT the yearning!). I needn't have been worried because this book was SO excellent and my love for Whitney and Alyssa only grew!
This book has alllll my favorite romance moments, but its also just a love letter to nerds who read a lot.
Congratulations, Miss Cass on your trad pub debut. It is so well deserved! This will not be theast time I talk about this book; I plan to incorporate it in my day to day conversation until its release!
#haleycass #betweenlines #eARC #atria
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐
Honestly, I don't think I've ever gone into a Haley Cass book with such mixed feelings.
She's one of the authors who introduced me to sapphic fiction, and several of her books remain all-time favorites. Naturally, my expectations for Between the Lines were through the roof. At the same time, my struggle to fully connect with The Whole Truth left me a little wary that this one might not land perfectly either.
Unfortunately, that proved to be the case.
Don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed the book. It just didn't capture my heart the way Haley's stories usually do.
What never wavered was my love for Alyssa. She was pure sunshine. I adored her passion for teaching and how deeply involved she was with her students. Her grief over losing her brother Bodhi was portrayed with such tenderness, and I appreciated how the story explored the lasting ripples of his absence. Even after having her heart broken, she refused to grow cynical. Instead, she stayed open, vulnerable, and brave enough to try again, which made her incredibly easy to root for.
Whitney, on the other hand, was a much more complicated character for me. I completely understood why she had built so many walls around herself after everything she endured during her marriage, and the more I learned about her past, the more I sympathized with her. One of my favorite parts of her journey was watching her slowly rediscover the version of herself she'd buried beneath years of judgment and self-protection. Seeing her slowly reclaim those parts of herself made her healing journey incredibly satisfying to follow.
Even so, I always felt there was a slight emotional distance between Whitney and me as a reader. She always seemed to keep a small part of herself tucked away, and while that made perfect sense given her history, it prevented me from bonding with her the same way I did with Alyssa. That distance, more than anything else, kept me from becoming completely absorbed in their relationship.
I also couldn't help feeling like I'd met versions of Alyssa and Whitney before. They reminded me quite a bit of some of Haley's previous MCs, so I kept hoping for something that would make them feel a little more unique.
The romance itself surprised me in a different way. Haley is a master of slow burns, but this one shifts the focus. It is a one-night-to-forever story where the real slow burn is emotional rather than physical. Their relationship progresses faster than I expected, which is not inherently bad, just noticeably different from her usual style. Still, the banter was fantastic. Their teasing, competitiveness, and flirtation made every scene between them lively and full of chemistry.
What ultimately kept me from connecting as deeply as I wanted was the imbalance in their emotional journeys. Alyssa wore her heart on her sleeve, while Whitney's feelings remained quieter and more reserved. I never doubted Whitney loved Alyssa, but I felt Alyssa's emotions with far more intensity. Because of that, I never became as invested in their relationship as I'd hoped.
Beyond the romance, I also found myself less immersed in the overall story than I expected. Many of the plot developments felt predictable, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I never experienced those soaring emotional highs I have come to expect from Haley's work. And honestly... that was probably my biggest disappointment.
Overall, Between the Lines is a heartfelt romance about healing, rediscovering yourself after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and finding the courage to let someone in when love feels impossible. Even if this wasn't my favorite Haley Cass novel, I still think there's plenty here to love, and I have no doubt many readers will connect with these characters far more than I did.
I'll definitely keep reading whatever Haley writes next because one book that doesn't completely work for me could never erase everything I've loved about her stories over the years.
Big warm thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to read it so early!
Honestly, I don't think I've ever gone into a Haley Cass book with such mixed feelings.
She's one of the authors who introduced me to sapphic fiction, and several of her books remain all-time favorites. Naturally, my expectations for Between the Lines were through the roof. At the same time, my struggle to fully connect with The Whole Truth left me a little wary that this one might not land perfectly either.
Unfortunately, that proved to be the case.
Don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed the book. It just didn't capture my heart the way Haley's stories usually do.
What never wavered was my love for Alyssa. She was pure sunshine. I adored her passion for teaching and how deeply involved she was with her students. Her grief over losing her brother Bodhi was portrayed with such tenderness, and I appreciated how the story explored the lasting ripples of his absence. Even after having her heart broken, she refused to grow cynical. Instead, she stayed open, vulnerable, and brave enough to try again, which made her incredibly easy to root for.
Whitney, on the other hand, was a much more complicated character for me. I completely understood why she had built so many walls around herself after everything she endured during her marriage, and the more I learned about her past, the more I sympathized with her. One of my favorite parts of her journey was watching her slowly rediscover the version of herself she'd buried beneath years of judgment and self-protection. Seeing her slowly reclaim those parts of herself made her healing journey incredibly satisfying to follow.
Even so, I always felt there was a slight emotional distance between Whitney and me as a reader. She always seemed to keep a small part of herself tucked away, and while that made perfect sense given her history, it prevented me from bonding with her the same way I did with Alyssa. That distance, more than anything else, kept me from becoming completely absorbed in their relationship.
I also couldn't help feeling like I'd met versions of Alyssa and Whitney before. They reminded me quite a bit of some of Haley's previous MCs, so I kept hoping for something that would make them feel a little more unique.
The romance itself surprised me in a different way. Haley is a master of slow burns, but this one shifts the focus. It is a one-night-to-forever story where the real slow burn is emotional rather than physical. Their relationship progresses faster than I expected, which is not inherently bad, just noticeably different from her usual style. Still, the banter was fantastic. Their teasing, competitiveness, and flirtation made every scene between them lively and full of chemistry.
What ultimately kept me from connecting as deeply as I wanted was the imbalance in their emotional journeys. Alyssa wore her heart on her sleeve, while Whitney's feelings remained quieter and more reserved. I never doubted Whitney loved Alyssa, but I felt Alyssa's emotions with far more intensity. Because of that, I never became as invested in their relationship as I'd hoped.
Beyond the romance, I also found myself less immersed in the overall story than I expected. Many of the plot developments felt predictable, and while I was satisfied with the ending, I never experienced those soaring emotional highs I have come to expect from Haley's work. And honestly... that was probably my biggest disappointment.
Overall, Between the Lines is a heartfelt romance about healing, rediscovering yourself after heartbreak, learning to trust again, and finding the courage to let someone in when love feels impossible. Even if this wasn't my favorite Haley Cass novel, I still think there's plenty here to love, and I have no doubt many readers will connect with these characters far more than I did.
I'll definitely keep reading whatever Haley writes next because one book that doesn't completely work for me could never erase everything I've loved about her stories over the years.
Big warm thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to read it so early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Top-Tier Academic Rom-Com and an Instant Comfort Reread!
Haley Cass is an absolute heavyweight in the sapphic romance space, and Between the Lines proves exactly why. If you are looking for an effortlessly fun, quick-witted rom-com with phenomenal chemistry, this is guaranteed to be your next obsession.
The book gives us a flawless execution of the "one-night-stand-to-forever" trope, set against a delightfully messy academic backdrop. We follow Alyssa, a funny and incredibly sincere interim professor, who accidentally throws a massive wrench into the carefully maintained walls of Whitney, the stoic and guarded department head. Throw in a classic workplace power imbalance, some forced proximity, and the looming shadow of an ex-husband who has completely poisoned the faculty well, and you have the perfect recipe for tension.
Highlights of the book:
Top-Tier Banter: The road trip scene featuring a competitive bet over a thriller audiobook twist is an absolute standout that brilliantly shatters their professional boundaries.
The Queen of Spice: Cass firmly cements her title here. The "open door" scenes are not only fantastic, but they serve a massive emotional purpose. For a character as heavily guarded as Whitney, physical intimacy becomes the ultimate space for vulnerability—the one place she finally allows herself to be truly "seen."
The "Wrench" Dynamic: Alyssa is a phenomenal protagonist. Watching her try to reconcile her friendly colleagues with their blind acceptance of workplace gossip adds a fantastic, grounded layer to the academic drama.
A quick note on tone: The book does touch on some incredibly heavy subjects, including the loss of a sibling and deliberate career sabotage. However, it doesn't wallow in heavy, devastating grief. These elements function more as plot drivers rather than deep emotional explorations, which brilliantly keeps the book light, highly readable, and firmly anchored in its fun rom-com roots.
Between the Lines doesn't try to reinvent the wheel—it just executes the genre flawlessly. It is exactly the kind of reliable favorite you will return to time and time again just for the "happy soft feelings" it gives you. I predict this is going to be a massive commercial hit, and I am so incredibly excited that this one will be hitting physical bookstore shelves!
A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Haley Cass is an absolute heavyweight in the sapphic romance space, and Between the Lines proves exactly why. If you are looking for an effortlessly fun, quick-witted rom-com with phenomenal chemistry, this is guaranteed to be your next obsession.
The book gives us a flawless execution of the "one-night-stand-to-forever" trope, set against a delightfully messy academic backdrop. We follow Alyssa, a funny and incredibly sincere interim professor, who accidentally throws a massive wrench into the carefully maintained walls of Whitney, the stoic and guarded department head. Throw in a classic workplace power imbalance, some forced proximity, and the looming shadow of an ex-husband who has completely poisoned the faculty well, and you have the perfect recipe for tension.
Highlights of the book:
Top-Tier Banter: The road trip scene featuring a competitive bet over a thriller audiobook twist is an absolute standout that brilliantly shatters their professional boundaries.
The Queen of Spice: Cass firmly cements her title here. The "open door" scenes are not only fantastic, but they serve a massive emotional purpose. For a character as heavily guarded as Whitney, physical intimacy becomes the ultimate space for vulnerability—the one place she finally allows herself to be truly "seen."
The "Wrench" Dynamic: Alyssa is a phenomenal protagonist. Watching her try to reconcile her friendly colleagues with their blind acceptance of workplace gossip adds a fantastic, grounded layer to the academic drama.
A quick note on tone: The book does touch on some incredibly heavy subjects, including the loss of a sibling and deliberate career sabotage. However, it doesn't wallow in heavy, devastating grief. These elements function more as plot drivers rather than deep emotional explorations, which brilliantly keeps the book light, highly readable, and firmly anchored in its fun rom-com roots.
Between the Lines doesn't try to reinvent the wheel—it just executes the genre flawlessly. It is exactly the kind of reliable favorite you will return to time and time again just for the "happy soft feelings" it gives you. I predict this is going to be a massive commercial hit, and I am so incredibly excited that this one will be hitting physical bookstore shelves!
A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alyssa and Whitney meet at a bar on Christmas Eve. Whitney is getting divorced from her husband, and Alyssa has just moved to a new town to start her first job as a professor. Both of them are looking for connection, and they have a steamy one night stand. Whitney flees when she realizes that Alyssa works at the same college where she is also a professor.
Soon after their hookup, both women realize that they are working together in the same department, and Whitney is Alyssa's mentor. They agree to not speak about their past hookup, and they keep things professional. They only text and email about worked related questions that Alyssa has as a first year professor.
Alyssa discovers that everyone in the department doesn't like Whitney because they were friends with her ex-husband, who also worked in the department until he recently left. Alyssa has moved 6 hours from home, and she was dumped by her girlfriend over the phone. She wants to make new friends at work, but she struggles with understanding why she sees a different side to Whitney.
Alyssa and Whitney connect when they drive together to a work conference. Both of them are going through grief- Alyssa's brother has recently passed away and Whitney is dealing with the aftermath of her divorce/betrayal from her ex. At the conference, Alyssa plans a special birthday for Whitney, and they have a steamy hookup. They think it will be a one time thing, but they can't turn off their attraction and feelings for each other.
Things I loved:
- the communication that they had with each other
- Whitney's spicy list of things she wants to do with Alyssa
- discussion about trust after losing trust in a partner
- that they started as a one night stand which was rare for both of them
- Alyssa’s family and friends were great side characters,
- that Whitney was best friends with woman she dated in the past,
- the discussions of literature and they were nerds flirting with each other,
- the epilogue
- the spice was next level
Overall, this was a spicy sapphic age gap romance (8 years) between two professors, and it's filled with heart and spice. I definitely recommend this book.
Soon after their hookup, both women realize that they are working together in the same department, and Whitney is Alyssa's mentor. They agree to not speak about their past hookup, and they keep things professional. They only text and email about worked related questions that Alyssa has as a first year professor.
Alyssa discovers that everyone in the department doesn't like Whitney because they were friends with her ex-husband, who also worked in the department until he recently left. Alyssa has moved 6 hours from home, and she was dumped by her girlfriend over the phone. She wants to make new friends at work, but she struggles with understanding why she sees a different side to Whitney.
Alyssa and Whitney connect when they drive together to a work conference. Both of them are going through grief- Alyssa's brother has recently passed away and Whitney is dealing with the aftermath of her divorce/betrayal from her ex. At the conference, Alyssa plans a special birthday for Whitney, and they have a steamy hookup. They think it will be a one time thing, but they can't turn off their attraction and feelings for each other.
Things I loved:
- the communication that they had with each other
- Whitney's spicy list of things she wants to do with Alyssa
- discussion about trust after losing trust in a partner
- that they started as a one night stand which was rare for both of them
- Alyssa’s family and friends were great side characters,
- that Whitney was best friends with woman she dated in the past,
- the discussions of literature and they were nerds flirting with each other,
- the epilogue
- the spice was next level
Overall, this was a spicy sapphic age gap romance (8 years) between two professors, and it's filled with heart and spice. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alyssa Burke is starting her first day as a professor (possibly temporarily, but she’s hoping for it to be a long time). She has her doctorate, but she’s been working at her family’s restaurant as she has struggled to find a teaching position. Things are starting to look up, at least until her girlfriend calls her and picks this moment to break up with her. It’s so upsetting that she ends up being late meeting her colleague, Dr. Whitney Hart.
Dr. Hart, known as Hartless to some of her colleagues, is the sapphic romance Ice Queen personified. I write that in the most complimentary of fashions. Haley Cass is extremely gifted at writing the grumpy/sunshine couples, and while I think individually she’s written better versions of each type of character, this might be my favorite combo of them.
Whitney has just filed for divorce from her husband, who was a popular professor at the same college before working elsewhere. After missing their connection, the two meet at a bar on Christmas Eve, neither of them knowing who the other is. They share an evening, and it is only before they are about to part that Whitney realizes who Ayssa is (she doesn’t go by her first name. It’s Sunshine, so that makes sense). She doesn’t tell Alyssa, though.
After their dalliance, their relationship is really a slow burn in a way that Cass seems to excel at.
My gripes are minor. Sydney, Alyssa's ex, works at her family’s restaurant and is essentially seen as a member of the family, and I don’t necessarily feel like she should have been shunned by Alyssa’s family and friends, we should have at least gotten more acknowledgement this was a spectacularly awful thing to do. Whitney’s ex is also quite a catalyst in the book, and I wish we had seen a little more about their past than we were given. I feel like that should have spent a little more time on stage and should have been seen a little more than told.
Minor quibbles aside, while not in my absolute top tier Haley Cass books, it’s close. 4.5 stars bumped to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Dr. Hart, known as Hartless to some of her colleagues, is the sapphic romance Ice Queen personified. I write that in the most complimentary of fashions. Haley Cass is extremely gifted at writing the grumpy/sunshine couples, and while I think individually she’s written better versions of each type of character, this might be my favorite combo of them.
Whitney has just filed for divorce from her husband, who was a popular professor at the same college before working elsewhere. After missing their connection, the two meet at a bar on Christmas Eve, neither of them knowing who the other is. They share an evening, and it is only before they are about to part that Whitney realizes who Ayssa is (she doesn’t go by her first name. It’s Sunshine, so that makes sense). She doesn’t tell Alyssa, though.
After their dalliance, their relationship is really a slow burn in a way that Cass seems to excel at.
My gripes are minor. Sydney, Alyssa's ex, works at her family’s restaurant and is essentially seen as a member of the family, and I don’t necessarily feel like she should have been shunned by Alyssa’s family and friends, we should have at least gotten more acknowledgement this was a spectacularly awful thing to do. Whitney’s ex is also quite a catalyst in the book, and I wish we had seen a little more about their past than we were given. I feel like that should have spent a little more time on stage and should have been seen a little more than told.
Minor quibbles aside, while not in my absolute top tier Haley Cass books, it’s close. 4.5 stars bumped to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I was approved for this ARC, I dropped everything and immediately downloaded it to my Kindle.
Between the Lines is more than just a romance; it's a testament to how grief, trauma, and self-worth shape your ability to form and hold connections. Alyssa, who is LITERALLY a ray of sunshine, meets Whitney Hart(less). Both employed at the same university, a one-night stand changes the trajectory of their entire professional and personal relationship. This is addicting, poignant, and masterful--exactly what I'd expect from Haley Cass.
It's also incredibly immersive. Both Alyssa and Whitney are English professors, and as an English major myself, their banter and conversations about Shakespeare, poetry, and all things academic were not only realistic but SO spot on. It was refreshing to see academic conversations and teasing that felt well thought out and not merely placed just as evidence that the characters study these concepts. I laughed with the characters and cried with them, and despite this book's length, I still wanted more of them.
In many romance books, there's this overarching idea that love solves all problems, and I was relieved to see that this wasn't reflected in this book. That was my favorite part. Whitney's struggle with trust and her identity after her narcissistic ex wasn't erased because she met Alyssa. Whitney remained a complex character shaped by her trauma, and it was both moving and satisfying to watch her fight through it.
While this does have some heavy topics and angst, it is also fun, witty, full of chemistry, and comforting.
I've been a reader of Haley Cass for years, so I'm extremely grateful to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC!
Between the Lines is more than just a romance; it's a testament to how grief, trauma, and self-worth shape your ability to form and hold connections. Alyssa, who is LITERALLY a ray of sunshine, meets Whitney Hart(less). Both employed at the same university, a one-night stand changes the trajectory of their entire professional and personal relationship. This is addicting, poignant, and masterful--exactly what I'd expect from Haley Cass.
It's also incredibly immersive. Both Alyssa and Whitney are English professors, and as an English major myself, their banter and conversations about Shakespeare, poetry, and all things academic were not only realistic but SO spot on. It was refreshing to see academic conversations and teasing that felt well thought out and not merely placed just as evidence that the characters study these concepts. I laughed with the characters and cried with them, and despite this book's length, I still wanted more of them.
In many romance books, there's this overarching idea that love solves all problems, and I was relieved to see that this wasn't reflected in this book. That was my favorite part. Whitney's struggle with trust and her identity after her narcissistic ex wasn't erased because she met Alyssa. Whitney remained a complex character shaped by her trauma, and it was both moving and satisfying to watch her fight through it.
While this does have some heavy topics and angst, it is also fun, witty, full of chemistry, and comforting.
I've been a reader of Haley Cass for years, so I'm extremely grateful to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Haley Cass and Atria Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Between the Lines was everything I wanted from an academia romance and more. Haley Cass has officially given me another all-time favorite. Alyssa and Whitney’s relationship felt so refreshing because of how mature it was. They’re both in their thirties, and it shows in the best way. Instead of unnecessary miscommunication, they have honest conversations, emotional openness, and the sweetest nerdy flirting that had me smiling the entire time. Watching Alyssa navigate a temporary teaching position while growing closer to Whitney, who is dealing with the fallout of a painful divorce and a hostile department, made their connection feel incredibly authentic.
What really made this book special were the vulnerable moments. Alyssa opening up about her past and Whitney sharing the truth about her divorce were some of my favorite scenes. Every vulnerable conversation deepened their relationship, and I loved seeing Whitney support Alyssa’s dream of keeping her position while Alyssa became a source of comfort and joy for Whitney. The emotional depth was balanced perfectly with humor, and I found myself laughing in one chapter and tearing up in the next.
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be perfect! It was beautifully layered, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. This is easily one of my favorite books Haley Cass has written and very well may be a top three read of 2026… and maybe even 2027. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Between the Lines was everything I wanted from an academia romance and more. Haley Cass has officially given me another all-time favorite. Alyssa and Whitney’s relationship felt so refreshing because of how mature it was. They’re both in their thirties, and it shows in the best way. Instead of unnecessary miscommunication, they have honest conversations, emotional openness, and the sweetest nerdy flirting that had me smiling the entire time. Watching Alyssa navigate a temporary teaching position while growing closer to Whitney, who is dealing with the fallout of a painful divorce and a hostile department, made their connection feel incredibly authentic.
What really made this book special were the vulnerable moments. Alyssa opening up about her past and Whitney sharing the truth about her divorce were some of my favorite scenes. Every vulnerable conversation deepened their relationship, and I loved seeing Whitney support Alyssa’s dream of keeping her position while Alyssa became a source of comfort and joy for Whitney. The emotional depth was balanced perfectly with humor, and I found myself laughing in one chapter and tearing up in the next.
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be perfect! It was beautifully layered, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. This is easily one of my favorite books Haley Cass has written and very well may be a top three read of 2026… and maybe even 2027. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Haley Cass is one of my favorite authors, and I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it. I'm pleased to say, it was better than I expected and I enjoyed it even more than her last book.
The dynamic between Whitney and Alyssa was addicting. I absolutely loved their competitive nature, mutual pining, and how they just kept coming back to each other even when they thought they probably shouldn't. The one night stand meet-cute isn't typically a trope that I enjoy, but I found that it worked well for this story.
There was also a lot of interesting character development for both of the mains, but I particularly liked seeing Whitney let her guard down where Alyssa was concerned, trusting her enough to let her in.
Although there were a lot of side characters introduced, we don't get a ton of backstory on all of them, with the main focus of the story really being Whitney and Alyssa. Personally, this made it a more enjoyable read for me, as I love when my main characters really take the time to get to know each other. Despite the initial meeting, this book definitely feels like a slow burn.
Overall, another excellent read from Haley Cass. 5/5 stars!
Haley Cass is one of my favorite authors, and I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it. I'm pleased to say, it was better than I expected and I enjoyed it even more than her last book.
The dynamic between Whitney and Alyssa was addicting. I absolutely loved their competitive nature, mutual pining, and how they just kept coming back to each other even when they thought they probably shouldn't. The one night stand meet-cute isn't typically a trope that I enjoy, but I found that it worked well for this story.
There was also a lot of interesting character development for both of the mains, but I particularly liked seeing Whitney let her guard down where Alyssa was concerned, trusting her enough to let her in.
Although there were a lot of side characters introduced, we don't get a ton of backstory on all of them, with the main focus of the story really being Whitney and Alyssa. Personally, this made it a more enjoyable read for me, as I love when my main characters really take the time to get to know each other. Despite the initial meeting, this book definitely feels like a slow burn.
Overall, another excellent read from Haley Cass. 5/5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haley Cass is by far my favorite author. After discovering her I quickly read everything she had written up to that point. Most of her books I have read no less than twice. I wait with unmatched excitement for every new release. Her ability to write a sapphic love story that hooks you from the very first line is unmatched.
Between the Lines is beautifully written. Alyssa is nerdy, lovable and accidentally smooth whereas Whitney is confident, innately sexy and regaining her confidence. Together their story of rebuilding life as they knew while finding that once in a life time love is exquisite and salacious. Haley writes with an atmospheric and poetic style that draws you in. It feels as though you are a part of Alyssa and Whitney’s epic love story. Rather than just reading about the love story, Whitney and Alyssa come alive and you feel as though you are a part of their world.
Mark February 16th, 2027 on your calendar to get your copy of Between the Lines but between know and then take the opportunity to read everything she has ever written. Immerse yourself in the love stories she so expertly depicts and fall in love with Haley Cass and her epigrammatic, idiomatic, elegant, emotive and sexy sapphic romances.
Between the Lines is beautifully written. Alyssa is nerdy, lovable and accidentally smooth whereas Whitney is confident, innately sexy and regaining her confidence. Together their story of rebuilding life as they knew while finding that once in a life time love is exquisite and salacious. Haley writes with an atmospheric and poetic style that draws you in. It feels as though you are a part of Alyssa and Whitney’s epic love story. Rather than just reading about the love story, Whitney and Alyssa come alive and you feel as though you are a part of their world.
Mark February 16th, 2027 on your calendar to get your copy of Between the Lines but between know and then take the opportunity to read everything she has ever written. Immerse yourself in the love stories she so expertly depicts and fall in love with Haley Cass and her epigrammatic, idiomatic, elegant, emotive and sexy sapphic romances.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haley's mastery of character development is truly unparalleled and this book was no exception. The plot was skillfully weaved throughout the story while not taking away from seeing both characters grow as individuals and as a pair. Whitney's acerbic nature lends to what I think of as a slush queen (not quite ice but definitely icy) but at no point does it ever cross the boundary for me, so I continue to root for her from the start. Alyssa's tenacity jumps off the page and is the perfect complement to Whitney. Their tension is deliciously thick! If one night to forever and grumpy/ sunshine pairings interest you then I cannot recommend this book enough! Seeing Whitney's icy nature melt for Alyssa while teaching her to trust again was an emotional journey and watching Alyssa find someone willing to fight for her left me feeling warm and fuzzy in all the best ways! Truly another Haley Cass masterpiece!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
arc!!!! *4.5
as someone who grew up with country music and has almost completed my english degree i've been fed asf by mrs cass this year 😛😛
miss sunshine alyssa burke!!! she has to be one of my fav mcs so far, i can't lie. and ugh whitney how i might understand her too much. im just a sucker for the opposites dynamic; their voices were very distinct and the banter!!! as always, the story feels so real and immersive, never a dull moment. chronic nerd flirters stand up.
overall, it was definitely not the strongest of her books, though i still heavily enjoyed it nonetheless. it's hard to read so many romance books from one author to not realize formulas and dynamics that cross over into multiple stories, making the reading feel a bit repetitive. of course i eat it up every time though, so no complaints here. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
as someone who grew up with country music and has almost completed my english degree i've been fed asf by mrs cass this year 😛😛
miss sunshine alyssa burke!!! she has to be one of my fav mcs so far, i can't lie. and ugh whitney how i might understand her too much. im just a sucker for the opposites dynamic; their voices were very distinct and the banter!!! as always, the story feels so real and immersive, never a dull moment. chronic nerd flirters stand up.
overall, it was definitely not the strongest of her books, though i still heavily enjoyed it nonetheless. it's hard to read so many romance books from one author to not realize formulas and dynamics that cross over into multiple stories, making the reading feel a bit repetitive. of course i eat it up every time though, so no complaints here. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
August 4, 2026
Haley Cass is an automatic read for me at this point, every single book from her is top tier, and Between the Lines is no exception. I devoured this one in two days, could not put it down.
The chemistry between Alyssa and Whitney is so good. Alyssa is exactly the kind of lead I want more of, warm, genuine, and easy to root for, but not a pushover at all. And Whitney... I'm such a sucker for an ice queen love interest, so I was obsessed with her from the start. Watching her walls come down was so extremely satisfying.
The plot, the communication, the spice, all of it delivered. I wanted 100+ more pages by the end, I just was not ready to let them go. And the epilogue was the perfect way to close things out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The chemistry between Alyssa and Whitney is so good. Alyssa is exactly the kind of lead I want more of, warm, genuine, and easy to root for, but not a pushover at all. And Whitney... I'm such a sucker for an ice queen love interest, so I was obsessed with her from the start. Watching her walls come down was so extremely satisfying.
The plot, the communication, the spice, all of it delivered. I wanted 100+ more pages by the end, I just was not ready to let them go. And the epilogue was the perfect way to close things out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Atrica for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first sapphic romance and I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed Alyssa and Whitney’s meet cute love story. Their chemistry was palpable from the very start and only got better as the story went on. I’m also a total sucker for a forbidden office romance. Who isn’t? My only frustration is that this story is written in third person. I have a hard time connecting with the characters if they aren’t written in first person. Other than that this was a 4/5 read for me and a wonderful introduction to Haley Cass as an author. I look forward to reading more of her work and can’t wait for the world to meet Alyssa and Whitney very soon!
This was my first sapphic romance and I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed Alyssa and Whitney’s meet cute love story. Their chemistry was palpable from the very start and only got better as the story went on. I’m also a total sucker for a forbidden office romance. Who isn’t? My only frustration is that this story is written in third person. I have a hard time connecting with the characters if they aren’t written in first person. Other than that this was a 4/5 read for me and a wonderful introduction to Haley Cass as an author. I look forward to reading more of her work and can’t wait for the world to meet Alyssa and Whitney very soon!
August 1, 2026
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book from @atriabooks!
My first Haley Cass book but definitely NOT my last. I didn’t want to put Between the Lines down. I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly but there was something about Alyssa that I admired and found myself relating to. And then to find out more of her history, about her family, and her motivation? She’s absolutely splendid and someone I wish I could be friends with in real life. Whitney equally had me intrigued b cause from the beginning I could tell there was more to her than what her colleagues saw and thought.
This book made my eyes water more than once and I actually cried once! So many heartwarming revelations and themes throughout this book.
My first Haley Cass book but definitely NOT my last. I didn’t want to put Between the Lines down. I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly but there was something about Alyssa that I admired and found myself relating to. And then to find out more of her history, about her family, and her motivation? She’s absolutely splendid and someone I wish I could be friends with in real life. Whitney equally had me intrigued b cause from the beginning I could tell there was more to her than what her colleagues saw and thought.
This book made my eyes water more than once and I actually cried once! So many heartwarming revelations and themes throughout this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As Between the Lines is Haley Cass's first book with Simon & Schuster, she has truly taken her writing to the next level—which is no small feat when her work has always been exceptional.
The chemistry between the main characters is electric from the very first page, and the supporting cast adds even more depth and heart to an already incredible story. Haley Cass absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one, and I can't wait to see what she and Simon & Schuster create together next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
The chemistry between the main characters is electric from the very first page, and the supporting cast adds even more depth and heart to an already incredible story. Haley Cass absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one, and I can't wait to see what she and Simon & Schuster create together next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 3, 2026
I swear Haley Cass never disappoints. Every time I think she's written my favorite couple, she somehow raises the bar again.
Between the Lines had everything I love about her books: incredible chemistry, emotional depth, characters who feel so real, and a romance that unfolds in a way that makes every moment worth it. Whitney and Alyssa completely stole my heart. I genuinely didn't think anyone could top Charlotte and Sutton in the HCLU, but I think these lit nerds actually did. Their connection felt effortless, their banter was perfect, and watching them fall in love had me giggling and kicking my feet.
“I’m going to pass out”
“Please don’t. At least, not in here.”
Between the Lines had everything I love about her books: incredible chemistry, emotional depth, characters who feel so real, and a romance that unfolds in a way that makes every moment worth it. Whitney and Alyssa completely stole my heart. I genuinely didn't think anyone could top Charlotte and Sutton in the HCLU, but I think these lit nerds actually did. Their connection felt effortless, their banter was perfect, and watching them fall in love had me giggling and kicking my feet.
“I’m going to pass out”
“Please don’t. At least, not in here.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haley Cass really is the queen of Sapphic Romance. I've read and loved everything she's ever written. And with Between the Lines, she's done it again. Whitney and Alyssa have zippy-zappy chemistry that deepens with their emotions. They've got their own personal storylines going along with their romance (and these are the best professional life storylines Cass has written). Their character interiority is classic Cass (unmatched). And, like with all her other books, I stayed up way past my bedtime devouring it.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nerd Flirting. An academic sapphic romance without the cringe age gap. I really enjoyed this book ALOT more than her last one. Both main characters were likeable! Finished this in one sitting! You have your one night stand turned awkward troupe. Even though there was nothing typically new done with this story, I loved the nuance with the "ice queen". I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super sexy and sweet, Between the Lines is sapphic contemp at its finest. While I haven’t read much of Hayley Cass’ work, this definitely inspired me to read more. I ate this book up in one sitting and asked for seconds. Cass’ foray into trad publishing was a risky move, but one that definitely payed off. Overall, I’d recommend reading Between the Lines!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this book in ONE sitting and absolutely loved it! As a longtime fan of Haley Cass, I knew I was in for a treat, and this book did not disappoint. The banter, nerdiness, tension, and character dynamics were everything! The black cat x golden retriever energy had me hooked, and the chemistry? Plus, the spice was TOP TIER. Definitely one for the sapphics!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five star read!!! Haley Cass has done it again!!! So excited to see her in bookstores finally.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews