The Place Between by Kit Oliver follows the journey of Ned, a doctoral candidate navigating personal and academic challenges, who is paired with Dr. Henry Abbot for a final project. The book delves into themes of second chances at love, professional growth, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style is described as smooth, natural, and filled with witty dialogues that bring out the emotions of the characters. The plot unfolds with a mix of tropes like enemies to lovers, fake dating, and the struggles of balancing academia and personal life.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, balanced by humor and emotional depth, contributing significantly to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by poetic descriptions, engaging dialogue, and a gradual transition from being challenging to captivating.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around the evolving relationship between two academic professionals, exploring themes of romance, personal growth, and the challenges of academia.

Setting:

The setting predominantly revolves around academic environments, infused with themes of personal and emotional exploration.

Pacing:

While the pacing starts slow with some repetitiveness, it accelerates in the second half, leading to a more engaging experience.

Notes:

The story is described as dragging at times, with some parts feeling repetitive and boring.

Many readers felt an emotional connection to both main characters, Ned and Abbot, appreciating their gentle love for each other.

The book is recognized for its balance between humor and heartfelt moments, especially with the inclusion of side characters.

The writing style is described as poetic and engaging, particularly in how it portrays character interactions and emotions.

The setting revolves around academic life, featuring themes of PhD struggles and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.

Readers noted the enemies to lovers trope, comparing it to the tension seen in Pride and Prejudice.

The portrayal of side characters was generally favorable, with some seen as 'problem children' adding mischief to the story.

The book includes common tropes such as fake dating and single parent dynamics, which readers found enjoyable and entertaining.

Emotional growth is a significant theme, showcasing how the characters evolve through their relationship.

Several readers expressed a desire for more in-depth conversations between the main characters, feeling some moments ended too soon.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are themes related to academic stress and personal trauma that may be sensitive for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance is a major focus of the book, with significant emotional and physical connections.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Ned's exhausted from his divorce, single parenting, and graduate school, so when his boss comes up with a plan to 'improve' work-life balance, Ned wants no part of it.

But Dr. Charles Henry Abbot, PhD has other ideas. Once Ned's least favorite professor and now his infuriating colleague, Ned needs Abbot's help editing his dissertation. With their newly limited work schedules, Abbot suggests the worst idea Ned's ever heard: pretend to date. Convince their co-workers-and their boss-that they're in a relationship and nailing this whole personal life thing . . . and each other.

It's an awful idea, but, if it means a graduation cap, would faking a relationship be worth it, so Ned can finish his degree and move home to his daughter?

The Place Between is a steamy, m/m romance novel. If you like enemies to lovers, fake dating, and the thin line between bickering and flirting, then you'll love this fast paced romance.

Buy The Place Between to watch Ned and Abbot's fake relationship unfold as they stumble into the most real thing either of them has ever done.

What can you read after
The Place Between?

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The Place Between

Kit Oliver