End Line

by Katie Steele

Orion “Ori” Harper lost everything when the Los Angeles Comets failed to renew his contract. Months later, his savings are running low, his friends and family are halfway across the country, and he has ghosted his former teammates. In an attempt to crawl his way out of the hole that depression has dug for him, Ori takes his therapist’s advice and begins to pour his darkest thoughts and heaviest feelings into a journal.
Julian Tate, setter for the Comets, has been plagued by nightmares since the day he confessed everything only to watch Ori walk away. A well-timed distraction arrives in the form of Look Up, an organization focused on bringing volleyball to queer teens. With their expansion to LA, Julian is tasked with heading up the project.
When visiting the valley overlook that he and Ori frequented the previous summer, Julian finds an abandoned journal. It isn’t long before he realizes the notebook belongs to the friend he’d made the mistake of falling in love with. Guilty over reading words that he was never meant to see, Julian does the only thing he can think to do: he writes back.
As Ori and Julian begin to reconnect through their written journal entries, they’re no longer able to ignore the events of the previous summer. The hookups, the feelings, the hurt. While Ori spirals further and further into his depression, Julian tries desperately to be nothing more than the friend he promised he would be. But neither hurt nor hope will stay hidden in the dark, not as long as the sun continues to rise…

Expected publication November 17, 2026

Reviews

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're not just a star, Ori. You're a whole constellation."

Katie Steele completely captured my heart in these two lovable characters. I'm slowly inching my way toward actively picking up hockey romances, but, when I saw access to a volleyball one, as a former (high school) volleyball player, I had to.

I just felt like...looking at the cover, I knew I was going to cry, and I did. Katie did such an EXCELLENT job fleshing out two characters who were battling some pretty big inner demons and just made you (or...made me, I guess) stay glued to the pages, waiting for them to work through it all and figure it out.

And I thought that the use of (spoiler alert) a journal bringing them together was interesting, I didn't know how that would work out when reading the synopsis and...well, da*n, if that didn't pull at my teenage heart who used to pass notes in the hallways to my friends.

What I appreciated most I think is how the bond between Julian and Ori really was...their own. It's something I've never seen replicated before, truly, and that's what I think about when I think about soulmates in the first place..two people who have a chemistry that doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.

This was unfortunately my start into Katie's catalog, but now, I can, want, and am going to go back to the beginning and know the other characters referenced.

[Katie Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But there, on his wrist, was the promise of a sunrise. A promise that still felt so far off, even if today was one of the good days. It was a declaration, though, a vow in navy and teal and gold and orange, that no matter what, the sun would rise again.”

[Ivaylo Balabanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙💙💙 ARC Review 💙💙💙

End Line - Katie Steele - Coming November 17, 2026

Thank you to the author for this ARC.

5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶

This may be a volleyball romance on the surface but it only features very sparingly in the book. There is no need to worry if you know nothing about volleyball. That's just the background. The premise is very interesting (even the volleyball is novel in the MM romance space for me) and the journal swapping idea was unexpected and fresh as it is something I had not seen before.

The mental health representation in this book was marveous. Steele's portrayal of depression, its symptoms and the feelings associated with it was simply magnificent. It was authentic and shook me to the core because I could completely identify with Ori. While it does not take center stage, Julian's anxiety is also well represented.

This was a tough read not because of the heavy topics but because of how well they were written. I was fully sobbing at some parts of the book. This means a lot to me when reading because I am not generally a book crier. Of course, we are awarded with a well earned and executed HEA at the end.

Steele did a great job here!
You simply HAVE TO give this book a read!!!

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC

While I love sportsromance, I was doubtful for a second I would like a volleyball book. I know nothing of volleyball, and luckily I didnt really need to. Yes there are some volleyball terms, but overall it doesnt overwhelm and it isn't really the main focus of the book.

I actually really loved this book! It has great main characters and a whole boatload of interesting side characters set in a vibrant world.

It is the story of Ori and Julian, 2 professional volleyball players. The story is essentially divided into before and after throughout the story and perspective changes from Ori to Julian. Before shows you how Ori and Julian got to know each other, got close and blew up. After shows you how they heal and find each other again (not a spoiler, since this is a romance 😊).

This book has some heavy themes that were handled very well and accurately. Both characters struggle with mental health issues that they needed to learn to live with and this book certainly didnt gloss over that or gave them the magic cure. And thats good and realistic!
But don't worry, the book leaves them in a great place to deal with it all together!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Wow, okay. So I think what I love most about Katie's writing is her representation of mental health struggles. I can sympathize with Ori's struggles so much because his life mirrors so much of my own. I love the relationship between Julian and Ori, not just because of the sexual tension, but because the love and trust was built over a long time, before they completely got together. I think that makes the difference when you're reading romance sometimes. Like I can imagine the lives they have together long term, and you don't always get that with romance. I love that Julian steps up in all the ways that matter to Ori and gives him the time and patience he needs to figure out his life, while still being true to himself.

[Lauren Cocanougher · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author.
Loved this book.

I loved how unique the storyline was. The sports romance with a slightly darker twist. I also appreciate the realistic portrayal of mental health struggles.

The only thing was the jumping back and forth with the before and after was a bit confusing for me. I had to keep checking the chapter again to see which it was.

Overall highly recommend though.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book by Katie Steele and honestly, they hit every. single. time.
10/10. Grab some tissues and your emotional support chocolate.
I already cannot wait for the next book.

*Quick note, there are a lot of heavier themes in this story, so definitely check your CW's.

Thank you so much to the author for an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

[elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

warning: you will be uncontrollably sobbing for about 40% of this book.

amazing. stunning. heart breaking. what more could you ask for? this is (regrettably) my first book from katie, but now she will have me staring into her windows daily until the next book. i love it. i love ori. i love julian. i need more. please give me more.

[Reading_with_AAron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie served another ace! This time its a bit darker and a whole lot more slow burn tension! I loved seeing inside Ori's mind.

Thank you so much to Katie for having me on her arc team again! If you love supporting LGBTQIA+ authors and stories do not miss out on this!