When Pages Meet Pixels

by J.D. Southwell

Natalie Hunter is a fierce, independent woman who has sworn off real relationships after catching her fiancé cheating. Between feeling overworked in running a successful business by herself and keeping up with the lie of still being happily engaged to her family, she’s close to a breaking point. However, after one night of celebrating, she suddenly finds herself in an unexpected romantic endeavor, causing her life to get turned further upside down.

Dexter Greenson is a charming and ambitious man with dreams of creating video games and gaming software. However, his parents are under the impression that he’s following in the family steps to take over the family’s tech business. After he graduates from college, he needs to keep up the facade by securing a job in entry level I.T. position while he secretly pursues his passion. When Dexter finds himself attracted to a forbidden woman, things become more complicated in his life.

As Natalie and Dexter navigate the complexities of their family dynamics and pressures, they must confront their past and take risks that neither of the pair thought possible. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2026

About the author

JD Southwell, a proud Texan, embraces her roles as a devoted wife, passionate author, and aspiring businesswoman. Identifying as a functioning introvert, JD channels her love for reading into crafting romance books filled suspense and fantasy, finding joy in the diverse worlds that literature offers.
In the peaceful quiet of the night, her creativity thrives as she weaves stories inspired by the characters and adventures she encounters within the pages of books. When she's not writing, you can often find her in the kitchen baking delicious treats, rewatching her favorite shows and movies, or cherishing moments with family and friends.

Reviews

[Danielle Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Dexter and Natalie did not expect to break the rules. This book was the pick me up from a slump. Even though the two tried to stay away they just couldn’t.

Lawerence, Lawrence’s mom & Sandra will piss you off!

Natalie gets what she deserves in the end which is a man like Dexter.

[The Diva Den Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first sentence— “I wonder if anyone has gotten deep penetrating back shots while eating a plate of lasagna”—I knew I was in for a wild ride. Between that iconic opening line, the title, and the cover, my curiosity was piqued, and the story did not disappoint!

The book follows Natalie and Dexter, two characters who navigate a journey filled with complex pasts and deep secrets. Despite the baggage they carry and the significant age gap between them, their chemistry is undeniable. It was heartwarming (and chaotic!) to watch them realize that their love was far stronger than any secret or number of years between them.

What to expect:
A Juicy Mess: The drama is high-tier and keeps you turning the pages.
Hilarious Energy: It’s genuinely funny and doesn't shy away from being bold.
Emotional Depth: Beyond the shock value, the romance has a solid heart.

J.D. Southwell did an amazing job balancing the humor with the heat. If you’re looking for something entertaining, dramatic, and completely unique, go grab your copy now!

[Sauniell]

The opening sentence irritated me so much I almost stopped right there. I eventually gave it a few more chapters but ultimately I'm not the target audience for this book.

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was a 3,5 for me.

When Dexter and Natalie first met there, she was still dealing with the drama of her past relationship and he just graduated college, both were out looking for a good time and they found that in each other. There was some activities that occurred but one phone call changed everything when she realized he was a brother's best friend. After that realization they agreed the would act like nothing ever happened between them but it was hard.

This book was like a game of cat and mouse because they were put in a situation where the were in close proximity to each other for a extended period of time and it was like should we or shouldn't we. The flirting that took place between the two definitely kept that allure there and when they finally decided to give in to their desires it was everything I thought it would be. That being said there was still some secrets they both had, her more so than him that had me feeling like she was unintentionally playing with his emotions.

I was happy once everything was revealed with her secrets and she was "set free" and I also found it funny how they were so concerned with what Ricky would think when it winded up being a no-factor. Overall I enjoyed the book and I was happy they finally got it together because I thought they made a good couple; however, I would have liked to see more of them together as a couple once it was made official. Also, as close as they both were to Ricky, I felt they could have spoken to him about what was happening early into the story to avoid the whole back and forth in the first place.

[RaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first page was wild

Vibes:
✨ Age Gap (not that huge but it’s there)
✨ Fake Dating
✨Slow Burn
✨ Close Proximity


This book had me cracking up one minute and clutching my chest the next. It’s flirty, emotional, messy in the best way, and full of wild twists and nonstop drama. Definitely a fun ride.

Natalie is coming off betrayal and heartbreak, just trying to enjoy herself and move on ( privately I should say lol) until she realizes the man she’s catching feelings for is her younger brother’s best friend. Yeah… messy cause why you going after YN’s girl… then ya brother’s friend! The Drama..

Dexter, on the other hand, is that quiet, introverted, fine sexy nerd who doesn’t usually have luck with the ladies but the moment he meets Natalie, he’s hooked. The chemistry between them? Instant and intense. But crossing that line could cost him his friendship. Is it worth it? Maybe / Maybe not but he did it anyway so…

Side notes
Sandra- I wanted my round the whole book.
Lawrence’s mom - I would’ve popped her too
Lawrence- Eff him. He doesn’t even deserve it.
I’ll never eat lasagna or Icecream again in life.

This book was messy, funny and overall a great read. The characters were lovable and relatable. JD Southwell definitely did her thang with this one! Mmhmm read it!

Thank You ElleKayGee Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy All Opinons Are my own.

[Thee Spicy Pisces · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny AF. Yearning. Playful. Lovable. Crazy Plot Twists. DRAMA. Entertaining.

Betrayed, heartbroken, and in need a good time, Natalie was ready to be folded like a pretzel… until she finds out the man that was going to fold her was her younger brother’s best friend!
The attraction was real and very strong for Dexter. Being a nerd, a very sexy ass nerd, and introvert, Dexter found it hard to connect with women, so when he met Natalie, he was all in!! But damn, He couldn’t betray his best friend, right?

Both hiding secrets from their families and trying to deal with their feelings for one another, Natalie and Dexter find themselves trying to keep from hurting their families, while also trying to not hurt themselves. Seeing their connection form and their yearning for one another is very endearing and you find yourself rooting for them to take a chance!

[Tiffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. JD Southwell definitely did not disappoint

Natalie was in love with Lawrence but he decided to break her heart. She was ready to walk away from him but being able to start her business with his help loomed in her face. Deciding to keep him around she’s forced to keep secrets from the very people she loves. What was only supposed to be a few months turned into a year. Will the lies catch up with her or will she be able to hold it together until she is ready.

Dexter is so hard working and focused on getting his game finished. Pursuing his dreams is causing him to also keep secrets. Could telling the people he loves his secrets will it change everything

What started off as celebrating graduation, Natalie and Dexter’s world collide for the first time and it changes everything. They should be off limits to one another but sometimes feelings take over. Now holding more secrets will they be able to keep this going or will it ultimately tear them apart

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really great! I had some laughs in this book and all the good characters were loveable (there are some characters that need their ass beat). Also a lot of what the characters reactions where was also my reactions LMAO.

Natalie she is so determined, strong and she don't take no shit from nobody. I loved her character very raw and very relatable.

Dexter is the nerdy type quiet guy but his character has a lot of depth to him as well.

I'm so glad they were able to come clean about their secrets (in their own separate lives) to end up being together.

Also Lawrence and Sandra I wish you nothing but the worst!

[Chatamiya H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely great from the beginning to end honey. This remind me so much of my college years of playing hard to get when I knew my heart I wanted to someone so bad. The connection the two main characters shared is like they were made for each other. This is a must read and definitely a must have in your book collection. Love this book