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@whatjcreads

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Full time dog mom & book reviewer | SG 🇸🇬
Contemporary, Historical, Fantasy, YA Romance ❤️
Your Indie authors bestfriend ✨️

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Meet the one behind the account 👩🏻

Hello Everyone!! 🖐🏻 My name is Jesslin, im currently residing in Singapore and i'm in my late twenties this year (so when i scroll in the future, i can look back at this moment 🤣 im sentimental like that). During the day, i work full time in a marketing agency, i've been working in marketing for 4.5yrs now. And from here, i got to work with multinational brands that i love (currently it's one of the tech giant from Korea and previously was a luxury fashion brands based in Paris - definitely a highlight of my 2022, it's such a dream come true for me). This full time job is what enables me to buy lots and lots of books.

I used to read comic books and simple child novels growing up, but i didnt get to spend a lot on them, only on certain occasions or borrowed them from school libraries. Then i studied in Singapore, and let me tell you, sometimes it can be lonely living by yourself in a foreign country. I re-discovered my love for books and bought them only during sales (life of a student 🥲).

I enjoy historical romance and contemporary romance, making me a hopeless romantic HAHA. I love series and standalone books with smut (sorry not sorry). My favorite authors are Nicholas Sparks, Ana Huang, Catharina Maura, Lisa Kleypas, and Julia Quinn. Why i started my bookstagram account is for me to somewhat document what i read and share my love for reading. Being the marketing person that i am, i like meeting new people and interact with them. From this platform, i got to meet A LOT of people with different backgrounds but sharing the same passion 📚

Lastly, during my free time, i like to play with my dog, Roty, cooking for my husband, and do arts & craft. I love scrapbooking, cross stitching, embroidering, you name it 🤭 i also like to play piano when im in my hometown, sadly i dont have it here.

So this is a glimpse of me and my life, please dont hesitate to say hi in comment or dm, i enjoy a random conversation with all of you and hoping we can be friends, wherever you are in the world ✈️ taken in Singapore, Singapore by @whatjcreads

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3 years ago

A lawyer and a doctor fake dating? And did someone say Singapore setting? 🇸🇬 Conflict of Interest by @naomichenwrites is witty, charming, and such a refreshing take on the fake-dating trope. When ambitious lawyer Audra Tay finds herself in an awkward situation with an old crush, she blurts out a little lie that lands her in a fake relationship with Wesley Yeoh, a doctor she barely knows. What starts as a convenient arrangement soon becomes something much more complicated, especially when their professional lives threaten to put them on opposite sides of the courtroom.

What I loved most was the banter. Their witty back-and-forth had me smiling, and Wesley is such a green flag 🥹 He's charming, playful, and quietly caring in a way that makes it impossible not to root for him. I also really enjoyed how their relationship developed through little moments of understanding and genuine connection (even though i crave for more!). The Singapore setting was another highlight, adding cultural richness and familiarity that made the story feel distinctive. My only complaints was I wanted more time devoted to the romance rather than the professional details. Still, the chemistry and humour more than made up for it!

Overall, Conflict of Interest was such a delightful read! ✨ I loved the combination of workplace pressures, cultural details, adorable romantic tension, and two intelligent characters who could challenge each other in the best ways. It may take a little while to get going, but once Audra and Wesley's relationship starts shifting from pretend to real, it's hard not to get invested. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from authod and this series!

Tropes:

• Fake dating
• Strangers to lovers
• Opposite attracts

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Conflict of Interest is a charming, feel-good romance filled with clever banter, a swoon-worthy hero, and plenty of heart. If you love fake dating, wholesome romantic chemistry, and contemporary romances with a strong sense of place, this one deserves a spot in your TBR 📖

Thanks to author for sending the book for my review ☺️ by @whatjcreads

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6 days ago

A lost dog bringing two strangers together? I’m SOLD.The Happy Ever After Playlist
is funny, emotional, and ridiculously swoony, with the perfect balance of heartbreak and hope. My second Abby's book and it has an adorable meet-cute and turns it into a beautiful story about grief, healing, and finding your way back to happiness when you least expect it ✨️

Sloan is still trying to find her footing after losing her fiancé when a runaway dog literally jumps into her life—and eventually leads her to Jason, a musician on the verge of becoming a superstar. Their relationship starts with texts, phone calls, and so much flirting before they even meet, and I absolutely LOVED watching them fall for each other. Jason is the kind of hero who is impossible not to adore—sweet, patient, supportive, and completely gone for Sloan. But what really stole my heart was Sloan's journey. Her grief felt raw and genuine, and watching her slowly allow herself to live, love, and be happy again made this so much more than just a celebrity romance. And Tucker? The real star of the show 🐶

What made this a five-star read for me was how it managed to make me laugh one minute and completely break my heart the next. The chemistry, banter, emotional depth, and all the little moments between Sloan and Jason had me completely invested. Yes, there are some heavier moments and plenty of angst, but at its heart, this is a story about learning that moving forward doesn't mean leaving your past behind. It's about choosing happiness again—and sometimes, happiness arrives in the form of a very determined dog and a ridiculously charming rock star. ✨

Tropes:

• Celebrity romance
• Strangers to lovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, The Happy Ever After Playlist
is heartfelt, hilarious, and completely swoon-worthy. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with Jason, and I would absolutely let Tucker pick my next romance 🐶🎶💕

#abbyjimenezbooks #thehappyeverafterplaylist #contemporaryromance #celebrityromancebooks by @whatjcreads

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13 days ago

@thenovelencounter is officially 10 years old!! And to celebrate the milestone, Adam @adamtie launched a collab with @times.reads for book subscription 📦

I'm fortunate enough to be sent a box, love how catchy 'embrace the slow life' is in the card. I really need it at the moment and truly appreciate the gesture 😍
Cannot wait to read the book and for SG residents who are looking for book subscription, you can check it out ✨️💙

#thenovelencounter #booksubscriptionbox by @whatjcreads

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24 days ago

A complicated romance, dangerous future, and two brothers caught in the middle? Say less. Broken Rival
is angsty, messy, and definitely unlike what I expected from Tessa Bailey. The time-travel and dystopian elements made for such an intriguing premise, and I was immediately curious to see where the story would take me next.

Magnolia is thrown into an impossible situation, and watching her navigate her feelings while trying to make sense of the unfamiliar world kept me invested. The turbulence romance had plenty of angst and chemistry, but I never felt completely connected to that relationships. The world-building also felt a little underdeveloped at times, and I found myself wanting more depth and explanation. The second half of the story felt rushed and all over the place to me too 🌸

Overall, this was an ambitious and unique read, but the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me. I enjoyed the drama and the concept, but I wanted stronger character development and a more satisfying romantic payoff. Still, if you're in the mood for something different, angsty, and a little chaotic, this one might be worth picking up. And if you're in for a love triangle, you'll in for a ride 😂

Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden romance
• Forced proximity

⭐️⭐️⭐️, Broken Rival had an intriguing dystopian / sci-fi premise and plenty of angst, but I needed a little more depth in both the romance and world-building to become fully invested in it. While i love Tessa's contemporary romance, i'm not impressed with this as it's giving me a YA vibes that can feel childish at times 🥲

Thanks to @times.reads for the ARC 📦 while the book did not work out for me, it might work out for you dystopian fans, and you can check this out when it hits the shelf on 6th October ✨️

#brokenrival #tessabailey #ARC #enemiestolovers #forbiddenromance by @whatjcreads

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a month ago

A Grim Reaper falling for a Guardian Angel? Say less. Grim Tidings is whimsical and unlike anything I've read before. @authorbkborison takes an incredibly unique premise and turns it into a book that's equal parts funny, tender, and surprisingly profound

Darcy is exhausted by death—which is a bit of a problem considering she's literally a Grim Reaper. For her next assignment, she refuses to reap the next soul and instead decides to save him. But standing in her way is Gabriel, the Guardian Angel assigned to protect his little corner of the world. He doesn't trust Reapers, she doesn't trust herself, and watching these two enemies reluctantly work together was every bit as entertaining as it sounds 🪽

Beneath the banter and magical chaos is a story about identity, loneliness, and what it truly means to live. Darcy quickly became one of my favorite heroines—she's sarcastic, compassionate, and carrying so much guilt beneath her tough exterior. Gabriel is grumpy in the best way, but underneath all that skepticism is someone incredibly loyal and quietly devoted. Their chemistry builds through trust, understanding, and so much yearning that I couldn't help but root for✨

The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me was that the middle slowed down a little. I found myself wanting a bit more focus on the romance during those chapters. I don't quite like the ending of the book, i was expecting more from Darcy & Gabriel. There are a lot of side characters to support the story too, but there's no significant roles for them tbh.

Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Grumpy × grumpy
• Paranormal romance
• Forbidden romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grim Tidings is cozy, magical, and full of heart. If you love paranormal romances with witty banter and characters learning that they're worthy of love despite the roles they've been given, this one is absolutely worth picking up. It may be about death, but somehow it celebrates life in the most beautiful way 🖤

Thanks to @times.reads & @jjjamieee for the ARC, and @booksandsugarquills for buddy reading it with me 💜 The book will be available on Sept 15th, so watch out for it.

#grimtidings #enem by @whatjcreads

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a month ago

A week late, but better late than never, right? 📦🤭 @times.reads & @jjjamieee sent me a box full of @harpercollins goodies because I missed out on the event 🥲
The box is giving me a Halloween vibes though or is it just me? 🪄

I got some of the books that I'm eyeing and i must say the first book that I finished didn't disappoint me ☺️

Which one will you pick up first from the selection?
And i cannot with how cozy the boy on top of the book 🐶

#harpercollins #advancedreadercopy #bookunboxing by @whatjcreads

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a month ago

An American Wedding Planner in Paris is a charming escape by @natasha.gaubert that perfectly blends romance, friendship, and the magic of the City of Love. It felt like strolling through Paris with a croissant in one hand and a happily-ever-after in the other 🥐

Nathalie, an event planner from the states, determined to prove herself professionally one last time—even if it means juggling demanding client and vendor for a celebrity wedding. Between family-centric venue managed by Bastien, champagne-filled celebrations, and an unexpected connection that slowly catches her off guard, the story beautifully captures the excitement and unpredictability of both weddings and love ✨️

What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. Paris practically steals the show, and I loved how the city became more than just a backdrop—it added so much charm and romance to every chapter. The chemistry between the main characters build naturally, with plenty of witty banter and we're being indulged by countless mention of food 🤤
I also appreciated how the heroine's career took center stage, making her journey feel empowering. That said, the pacing slowed slightly in the middle, and I found myself wanting a little more depth from a few of the supporting characters and the romance development between the two leads. Nat standing up to her family is one of the highlight for me, after so soooo long. The plot twist of La Belle Familie also add the excitement of the book, you just have to read it to find out 🤭

Tropes:
• Forced proximity
• Enemies to lovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An American Wedding Planner in Paris is sweet and charming. If you love destination romances with gorgeous settings, lovable characters, and a fan of Emily in Paris vibe, this one is definitely worth adding to your endless TBR 🇫🇷

Thanks to @natasha.gaubert for the copy and the PR box, such a fun read and Book 2 is coming out soon 😍 by @whatjcreads

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2 months ago

Didn't know that corporate strategy & contract killing could go so well together. Assassins Are Our Greatest Assets is wickedly clever, darkly funny, & one of the most unique thrillers. This series somehow manages to make you root for a retired CEO turned assassin... and honestly? I had the best time doing it. This book is the second installment in the series 🕵‍♂️

Fresh off the events of the first book, Ishmael has settled surprisingly well into his "retirement"—except his new career involves eliminating people who threaten those he loves. With every assignment, he becomes more methodical, confident, and impossible to look away from. But while Ishmael is busy treating murder like another corporate project, Inspector Julia Binti Shafiq is quietly piecing everything together 🔍

What I loved most was how this book balances suspense with humor (literally what keeps me going 😂). Ishmael's internal monologue is sharp, witty, and packed with clever corporate analogies that somehow make perfect sense. The flow kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I loved seeing Singapore brought to life through its food, neighborhoods, and everyday moments. It made the setting feel just as memorable and close to my heart.

Despite all the murders, there's so much heart in this story. Ishmael's love for his wife, his loyalty to his family, and the moral gray areas woven throughout the plot make him such a fascinating antihero. I found myself laughing one moment, holding my breath the next, and immediately wanting to know what impossible "assignment" he'll take on next.

Tropes:
• Crime Thriller
• Dark humor

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Assassins Are Our Greatest Assets is addictive and brilliantly original. If you love crime thriller with morally gray characters, razor-sharp wit, and a fresh premise that stands out from the crowd, this series absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. Business has never been this deadly 🔥 I also love the banter between Ishmael & Nysa, reminds me so much of me & my husband 😂

Thanks to @shesh_author & @radreads_25 for sending the copy, i enjoyed this so much and cannot wait for book 3. by @whatjcreads

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2 months ago

Who knew a grocery store aisle could hold the recipe for a love story? How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle is funny, heartfelt, and the ultimate reminder that the love you're searching for might have been beside you all along. I laughed and fell completely in love with these characters.

Ainsley writes HEA for a living, but after a breakup, she's no longer sure she believes in love herself. Desperate to cure her writer's block, she embarks on a hilarious mission to recreate rom-com-worthy meet-cutes in real life, hoping they'll inspire her next novel. From falling knee first during running to failed grocery store encounters, her dating experiments are equal parts chaotic and funny. But while she's busy searching for her perfect love story, she begins to realize that maybe the person who's been cheering her on all along has been right in front of her 😉

I realized that FMC's journey isn't just about finding romance—it's about rebuilding yourself after heartbreak, rediscovering your confidence, and learning that healing doesn't happen overnight. The friends-to-lovers romance is cute. The chemistry builds so naturally that every lingering glance and quiet moment had me kicking my feet. And Lucas? He completely stole my heart. Supportive, patient, and quietly in love... book boyfriend material without a doubt. How I wish we get to see more of his past ✨️

I also loved how modern and authentic the story felt. The social media moments and messy emotions that never felt forced—they made the characters feel like real people trying to navigate love in a world where everyone seems to have it figured out. One downside of the book is how the ex is a jerk and the girl friends are annoying, reminding me of high school drama 😫

Tropes:
• Friends to lovers
• Slow-burn romance
• Forced Proximity

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle is charming, witty, and full of heart. It's the perfect reminder that love rarely happens the way we want it to be, it should flow naturally. And the most important thing, you should choose and love yourself first 💕

Thanks to @times.reads @cosmoreads for the box & @booksandsugarquills for buddy reading this with me🫶 by @whatjcreads

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2 months ago

Long time no historical romance review ✨️ A wallflower obsessed with scandalous words, a notorious rake, and a marriage of convenience? The Very Definition of Love is witty and so much more charming than I expected. Think Bridgerton with a nerdy heroine who'd rather compile a dictionary of indecent slang than find a husband 😂

Harriet has survived five London Seasons without a single marriage proposal—and honestly, she's okay with it. It gives her more time to work on her secret passion: documenting the colorful, scandalous slang that women have been kept in the dark about for far too long. But after she's caught in a compromising situation with the infamous rake Lord Alexander Stirling, the only way to save her reputation is a marriage of convenience, one that's supposed to be in name only. Of course, nothing stays simple once stolen glances, late-night lessons, and undeniable chemistry enter the picture 😳

What I loved most was how refreshing Harriet was as FMC. She's curious, intelligent, and unapologetically herself, and I adored watching Alexander slowly fall for her sharp mind. Their banter is playful, the tension is chef's kiss, and I couldn't get enough of Harriet innocently asking Alexander to explain increasingly outrageous slang terms. It made me laugh more times than I expected, and somehow the story balanced humor with genuinely heartfelt romance.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that the middle section occasionally lingered a little too long, and one or two misunderstandings felt like they could've been resolved sooner. But the chemistry, the writing, and the wonderfully unique premise more than made up for it. And please don't expect the writing to be similar to Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn, iykyk 🤭

Tropes:
• Marriage of convenience
• Strangers to lovers
• One bed

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Very Definition of Love is clever and endlessly entertaining. If you love historical romances with sharp banter, lovable characters, and a heroine who refuses to let society define her, this one is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.

Thanks to @times.reads for the copy of slow burn ARC in exchange of review by @whatjcreads

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2 months ago

A little magic, a little mystery, and a whole lot of feelings — The Someday Garden is the kind of book that quietly grows on you. My fourth @heyashposton book and it has such a lovely way of blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, and this one felt like stepping into a hidden garden where every secret is waiting to unfold 💐

What I loved most was the emotional heart of the story. There’s something so beautiful about the themes of grief, love and family. The garden itself adds such a whimsical, almost dreamlike quality, while the characters bring enough messiness and vulnerability to keep everything grounded. I especially loved the way the story explores the idea that sometimes healing isn't about forgetting the past, but learning how to carry it differently. While I feel like the focus of this book is more towards self-discovery and self-healing after a loss rather than romance. But please don't get me wrong, the gradual love that blooms between Sophie & Cyrus is sweet and tender ✨️

That said, the pacing was a little uneven for me, particularly in the middle, and I occasionally felt like the magical elements overshadowed some of the emotional moments I wanted more of. I also wished certain relationships had been developed a little further because there were moments where I could see the potential for something truly devastatingly beautiful, but it didn't quite hit as hard as I hoped.

Tropes :
• Magical realism
• Grumpy vs sunshine
• Strangers to lovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Someday Garden is whimsical, tender, and quietly enchanting. If you love emotional stories with a touch of magic, beautiful summer themes of healing, and a setting that feels almost like a character itself, this is definitely one to add to your list 🌻

Thanks to @times.reads for the ARC, i enjoyed this one 💕

#thesomedaygarden #ashleyposton #magicalrealism #grumpyvssunshine #strangerstolovers by @whatjcreads

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2 months ago