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@jessread.s

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2026 📖: 78/100
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✩🕯️📓Review:

*Thanks to @fiercereads for the free copy for review*

The premise of Adeyemi’s latest will certainly draw readers in, but the novel itself may struggle to hold their attention.

“The Siren” follows Emery Coleman, a freshman at Dartmouth College, as she is swept up into the world of a mystical band of girls called “The Sirens.” When Roux, their leader, offers Emery the chance to join them, Emery will do whatever it takes to make it in.

For all intents and purposes, “The Siren” has the makings of a good thriller. Adeyemi skillfully crafts a tense Ivy League environment that places pressure on Emery, the main character, to fit in. With time, it is revealed that her desire to do so stems from having spent time in a psychiatric ward. Her past calls her narration into question, which will keep readers on their toes as they try piece together the true motivation of The Sirens and uncover the mystery shrouding them. Adeyemi incorporates Emery’s actual poetry to showcase her emotional arc as the story progresses.

Unfortunately, issues with pacing and characterization ultimately make this story fall flat. Significant time jumps occur so that the reader’s focus is on the trials Emery must undergo to be inducted into the secret society. These time jumps make it more difficult to get to know the characters when they are not in the midst of high stakes situations and the underlying themes of mental health suffer for it. Additionally, the gaps in the timeline are where relationship development would typically occur. As a result, the romantic subplot involving Emery and Roux’s stepbrother Eli is harder to invest in, their instant attraction practically unbelievable.

The ambiguous resolution will frustrate some and shock others as they recover from Adeyemi’s sinister twists in the final act.

#thesiren #tomiadeyemi #yathriller #darkacademia #standalonebooks by @jessread.s

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15 hours ago

✩💾⚡️:

Employees of NileCorp,

It has come to my attention that some of you have begun to question my loyalty to our illustrious company. I’m here to put any rumors to bed and assure you that there is no one more loyal than me. Over the past six years, I have slowly but surely built a shrine dedicated to our esteemed Branch Head. It is comprised of 35 books, several art prints, an assortment of enamel pins, and one Mao Mao tote. All of these items were acquired at each of the ten company rallies that I attended. Further, I have served as Executive Lead in the Finance department of the StrangeLoom division for over a year now. Surely that is enough to convince you that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for NileCorp.

I’m very grateful to Chloe and her books for giving me imaginary worlds I can escape to when I need and for creating a community of wonderful people I am lucky to call friends! Without Secret Shanghai, Flesh and False Gods, and StrangeLoom, I would never have met my best friend @kaybooks11 at YallWest, found an emotional support group in NileChat, or had the most fun I’ve ever had at a book event with the Oak Brook Branch! I think it is safe to say that Chloe is stuck with me for life and I would never betray her or my fellow employees.

Yours always,
Admiral Jess
Executive Lead - Finance Department
StrangeLoom Division
NileCorp

P.S. - If any doubt remains, I hope that my job acceptance email in the final slide will squash it.

Deadlock is out November 17, 2026!
Pre-order your copy today!

#deadlock #chloegong #nilecorp #strangeloom #thestrangeloomtrilogy by @jessread.s

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6 days ago

📚💌 there’s nothing i like more 🙂‍↔️

✨ Bad Words by @rioghnachrobinson is out 10/6/26!

Thank you @stmartinspress for the free copy for review!

#rivalstolovers #slowburnbooks #romancebooks #enemiestoloversromance #dualpovbooks by @jessread.s

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6 days ago

✩🥼💗TLH Day:

“The Love Hypothesis” is finally on the big screen!

When I read Ali’s debut novel for the first time back in 2022, I couldn’t have known the profound impact that it would have on me 🥹 At that time I was almost exclusively reading fantasy and did not think I would read anything else. I credit Olive and Adam’s love story with making me a romance reader! I was hooked from the very first page, so thoroughly obsessed that I documented all my reactions on Snapchat to entice my friends to pick it up! This book also means the absolute world to me because I read it with my sister, who was studying neuroscience at the time 💕 Now, I can’t imagine a life without romance novels. As a woman in STEM (yes, that’s right, library science is a STEM field 😌) I’m forever grateful to Ali for writing books featuring characters I can relate to 🫂

Happy TLH day to all who celebrate! 🧬🥼🔬💖

#thelovehypothesis #alihazelwood #grumpyxsunshine #romancebooks #fakedatingromance by @jessread.s

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7 days ago

✩⚔️🪽Review:

*Thanks to @fiercereads for the free copy for review*

An epic, high fantasy will draw you in and won’t let go!

“The Wretched Divine” follows Aurelie Chantelune, a human knight, after she bonds with both a battle-hardened angel and a demon bard to end an ancient war.

Grace’s first foray into adult fantasy is a breathtaking! Her highly immersive, detailed prose seamlessly transports readers to the fictional kingdom of Rhovar, a target of demonic invasion. As a member of the Chantelune bloodline, Aurelie can soulbond with Yuriel, an angel that can protect her people, but only if she can claim her first kill. A grave illness, however, forces her to forge a second bond with Severin, a demon with many secrets, to find a cure. The story alternates between all three of their perspectives, as well as that of Ilaria Noriclat, the princess next in line to one day rule over the kingdom of Rhovar. Grace’s compelling cast of characters, including the mysterious envyborn Lute and mischievous creature Vex, add momentum to the layered storylines and expand upon the world.

The intricate magic systems, which are deeply rooted in history and religion, serve as yet another lens that readers can use to explore the characters. The bonded feel each other’s pain, pleasure, and turmoil, which creates a fun dynamic between Aurelie, Yuriel, and Severin. The three could not be more different in terms of their convictions and stances on the war. But the more they learn about one another, the more they realize that they share one thing in common: they feel burdened by the standards thrust upon them. Each challenge they must surmount entangles them further and the angst, tension, banter and ruinous longing are irresistible!

The jaw-dropping twists and powerful cliffhanger will leave readers clamoring for the next book!

#thewretcheddivine #fantasyromance #lovetriangle #multiplepov #fantasybooks by @jessread.s

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8 days ago

✩🍼🥤Review:

*Thanks to the author for the free digital copy for review*

A sweet and swoon-worthy end to Smeltzer’s “The Boys” series!

“Honest Boys Don’t Play” follows Bertie Carthwright and Luke Covey after a secret hookup results in a positive pregnancy test.

While “Honest Boys Don’t Play” can be read as a standalone, I cannot recommend enough that you read “Sweet Boys Love Christmas” first! This novella showcases the start of their second chance romance and the intense attraction both characters can’t help but act on. “Honest Boys Don’t Play” covers the aftermath of their one-night stand and Smeltzer handles it beautifully.

Bertie and Luke, with their individual backstories, are the perfect couple for the accidental pregnancy trope. While they could not be more different in terms of their respective family’s wealth, their personalities complement each other in a way that makes it impossible to deny that they belong together! They are so supportive and in tune with each other’s needs. I melted watching Luke make McDonald’s runs to get Bertie emotional support Sprites at a moment’s notice. He is so caring, taking the time to assuage her fears and working odd jobs to support their growing family. Bertie, upon learning about Luke’s OCD diagnosis, makes every effort to learn his rituals and be there for him. In opening up and forming a partnership, their transition from strangers to lovers felt seamless. I appreciate how the story continues on for several chapters after the baby arrives, allowing readers to see how the couple adjust to their new lives as a family of three.

#accidentalpregnancyromance #dualpov #romancebook #contemporaryromance #secondchanceromance by @jessread.s

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9 days ago

🕰️✨i think about this quote at least once a day 🤍

✨ Broken Rival by @tessabaileyisanauthor is out 10/6/26!

Thank you @avonbooks for the free copy for review!

#dystopianromance #timetravelromance #enemiestoloversbooks #forbiddenlove #lovetriangle by @jessread.s

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9 days ago

✩👻🌾Review:

*Thanks to NetGalley and @thedialpress for the free digital copy for review*

A sweet and spooky small town romance!

“Free Falling” follows antique shop owner Clarke Cartwright and local farmer Leith Wilkes after they agree to enter a fake relationship to save their legacies.

The chemistry between Clarke and Leith is delightfully palpable! Both attempt to bury any lingering feelings from their childhood crushes on each other, but they become impossible to ignore the more time the two spend together. Watching their soft and tender displays of affection slowly, but surely transform their arrangement into something more permanent is very heartening! Both points-of-view are equally compelling, and I really enjoyed the vulnerability between these two as they opened up about complex familial situations.

Sweetwater Peak serves as the perfect cozy backdrop to their story. There’s a big focus on community in this book, as well as the important role small business play in local economies. The ghosts were the perfect secondary characters, serving not only as matchmakers, but as reminders of the town’s rich history! Sage also touches on mental health and depression, handling both with care. The epilogue wraps up the duology beautifully. With all loose ends tied up, readers will turn the final page feeling satisfied and eager to return to Sweetwater Peak in a reread.

#paranormalromance #fakedating #smalltownromancebooks #sweetwaterpeak #lylasage by @jessread.s

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10 days ago

✩🎂✨Chapter 26:

26 trips around the sun! Feeling very grateful to be here 💖

#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #romancereader #fantasyreader #booklover by @jessread.s

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12 days ago

✩ 💾⚡️An Announcement…

After participating in another highly rigorous interview process for this recruitment season, I am excited to announce that I have accepted the position of executive lead in the finance department of the StrangeLoom division at NileCorp! Rumor has it that coalition spies have infiltrated the company. Rest assured, I will root them out. I already have my suspicions that ████ ███ is involved and I plan to ████ ██████████ ████ ██ █ ██████ ███████.

I look forward to spearheading a positive and productive quarter for the company!

Deadlock is out November 17, 2026!
Pre-order your copy today!
Thank you @simonteen for the free copy for review.

#deadlock #chloegong #nilecorp #strangeloom #thestrangeloomtrilogy by @jessread.s

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13 days ago

🕰️✨the queen of rom-coms wrote something new and you won’t wanna miss out!

✨ Broken Rival by @tessabaileyisanauthor is out 10/6/26!

Thank you @avonbooks for the free copy for review!

#dystopianromance #timetravelromance #enemiestoloversbooks #forbiddenlove #lovetriangle by @jessread.s

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13 days ago

✩🪦🪽Review:

*Thank you @avonbooks for the free copy for review*

A whimsical, paranormal romance that will enchant your heart!

“Grim Tidings” follows runaway grim reaper Darcy Moore after her attempt at saving a life results in clashing with a skeptical Guardian. With no other choice, the two are forced to form an unlikely partnership beyond the grave.

Darcy and Gabriel’s star-crossed, opposites-attract romance is achingly beautiful! Gabriel is rightfully cautious of her presence in his domain and immediately raises his hackles. The barbs that fly between the two are amusing and truly emphasize how well matched they are. I love how they tried to keep their distance but ultimately succumbed to the pull between them! It was a joy to watch Gabriel in particular realize over the course of the weeks they spent together crossing items off Darcy’s bucket list that she is so much more than her reaper designation. Working in close proximity gives these two lonely souls the space they need to open up about their past lives and future hopes. Their journey toward mutual healing is incredibly heartwarming.

Romance aside, I appreciate Borison for weaving in themes of grief and death. Darcy struggles with the role she has been assigned by the Department of Hauntings and Spirits, deeply heartbroken over all the souls she has collected and deposited to the afterlife. With time and the support of friends, however, she looks upon her role in a new light—death does not have to be an end, it can be a beginning. Borison’s striking commentary packs an emotional punch that will leave readers feeling hopeful after they have turned the final page.

#grimtidings #enemiestoloversromance #forbiddenlove #grumpyxgrumpy #paranormalromance by @jessread.s

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15 days ago