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Pieces of You
An emotional origins story, Pieces of You tells Jeremy Riviera’s story—the rise and ruin of a man who loved too deeply, lost everything, and was forced to learn how to live with the monster he became.
Set between Jeremy’s human past and his early years as a vampire, this instalment of The Soulbound Series blends dark romance, romantic suspense, and supernatural drama as one reckless decision spirals into obsession, heartbreak, and transformation.
At its core, Pieces of You is a vampire romance filled with slow-burn tension, aching yearning, jealousy, and emotional devastation. It explores how obsession can blur into devotion, how grief can twist love into something dangerous, and how even the undead are not immune to heartbreak.
Perfect for readers who love fake dating, forced proximity, spicy slow-burn romance, found-family dynamics, and emotionally intense love stories where passion and pain walk hand in hand.
Jeremy’s story asks one haunting What happens when the love that defines you is also the thing that destroys you?
Pieces of You can be enjoyed as a standalone while deepening the world of The Soulbound Series.
Blurb
In 1993, Jeremy Riviera had it the body of a Greek god, a genius-level IQ, and a full-ride scholarship to MIT. He was used to getting what he wanted—and who he wanted. Emily Chessington, however, the object of his desires, isn’t impressed. But she does need a boyfriend. Someone who can survive her image-obsessed mother and the suffocating expectations of her world. Jeremy? Perfect candidate. He agrees to fake date her, telling himself it’s temporary, that he can control it, that he can make her fall in love with him, that he will keep his jealousy in check. Spoiler he doesn’t.
What begins as a lie becomes obsession. Pretense becomes proximity. Proximity becomes devotion. Jeremy falls first—and for a long time, he falls alone. Loving Emily, truly loving her, will scar him in ways he never saw coming.
By 1996, the man Jeremy once was is gone. Broken, newly turned, and no longer human, he must reckon with the aftermath of a life destroyed. Under the brutal guidance of his mentors, he learns to survive as a vampire—how to bury emotions before they become lethal, how to turn pain into control, and how to wield charm and fists as weapons.
But grief has teeth. And love has a way of haunting even the undead. Torn between past and present, humanity and monstrosity, he must confront what he has become… and the one name he can’t Emily.
Due to mature content and sensitive themes, this book is intended for readers 18+. Please see author website for content trigger warnings.
Set between Jeremy’s human past and his early years as a vampire, this instalment of The Soulbound Series blends dark romance, romantic suspense, and supernatural drama as one reckless decision spirals into obsession, heartbreak, and transformation.
At its core, Pieces of You is a vampire romance filled with slow-burn tension, aching yearning, jealousy, and emotional devastation. It explores how obsession can blur into devotion, how grief can twist love into something dangerous, and how even the undead are not immune to heartbreak.
Perfect for readers who love fake dating, forced proximity, spicy slow-burn romance, found-family dynamics, and emotionally intense love stories where passion and pain walk hand in hand.
Jeremy’s story asks one haunting What happens when the love that defines you is also the thing that destroys you?
Pieces of You can be enjoyed as a standalone while deepening the world of The Soulbound Series.
Blurb
In 1993, Jeremy Riviera had it the body of a Greek god, a genius-level IQ, and a full-ride scholarship to MIT. He was used to getting what he wanted—and who he wanted. Emily Chessington, however, the object of his desires, isn’t impressed. But she does need a boyfriend. Someone who can survive her image-obsessed mother and the suffocating expectations of her world. Jeremy? Perfect candidate. He agrees to fake date her, telling himself it’s temporary, that he can control it, that he can make her fall in love with him, that he will keep his jealousy in check. Spoiler he doesn’t.
What begins as a lie becomes obsession. Pretense becomes proximity. Proximity becomes devotion. Jeremy falls first—and for a long time, he falls alone. Loving Emily, truly loving her, will scar him in ways he never saw coming.
By 1996, the man Jeremy once was is gone. Broken, newly turned, and no longer human, he must reckon with the aftermath of a life destroyed. Under the brutal guidance of his mentors, he learns to survive as a vampire—how to bury emotions before they become lethal, how to turn pain into control, and how to wield charm and fists as weapons.
But grief has teeth. And love has a way of haunting even the undead. Torn between past and present, humanity and monstrosity, he must confront what he has become… and the one name he can’t Emily.
Due to mature content and sensitive themes, this book is intended for readers 18+. Please see author website for content trigger warnings.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Effie Soumelidis
3 books14 followersEffie is a debut indie author from the North of England, where she lives with her husband of over 25 years and their two children. With a passion for exploring love in all its complex, emotional, and sometimes darker forms, Effie writes across multiple romance subgenres—often weaving in paranormal elements, mature themes, and a touch of the unexpected. Her stories invite readers into layered, immersive worlds where connection is everything and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Her debut series, The Soulbound Series, is a genre-blending paranormal romance that dives deep into the shadows of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. At its heart is a story of connection—intense, otherworldly, and complicated by forces both seen and unseen. With darker, mature themes and a haunting emotional pull, this debut novel invites readers into a world where passion can be a lifeline or a curse, and nothing is ever quite what it seems
Her debut series, The Soulbound Series, is a genre-blending paranormal romance that dives deep into the shadows of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. At its heart is a story of connection—intense, otherworldly, and complicated by forces both seen and unseen. With darker, mature themes and a haunting emotional pull, this debut novel invites readers into a world where passion can be a lifeline or a curse, and nothing is ever quite what it seems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 17, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy
I’m not well - review when I’m done ugly crying
Seriously this was such an amazing book.
Ok now that I’ve had time to process.. this has got to be the best book for flashbacks ever!! When we meet our MMC Jeremy he is in the present (well 1996) and he’s been in a horrible car accident; left with the choice of de@th or becoming a vampire. He of course chooses the ladder… but becoming a vampire isn’t easy on Jeremy and he’s plagued with thoughts of his former life and the girl he left behind.
Flashback to 1993 and we get to watch as Jeremy meets Emily. She manages to catch his eye, and avoid him for about a year.. he’s obsessed. When she finally shows up at a party, our boys got a bit of a reputation as being a ladies man.
I seriously ate this book up.. there were times I just couldn’t put the book down because what do you mean something big just happened and now we are in the past or in the present. I loved every single thing about this book - watching Jeremy and Emily’s relationship (fake dating to more…) to getting to know Jeremy’s vampire family. I loved how they participated in “mortal” traditions. My heart was broken and healed only to be broken some more. I know I’ll never look at a lollipop the same.
I’m not well - review when I’m done ugly crying
Seriously this was such an amazing book.
Ok now that I’ve had time to process.. this has got to be the best book for flashbacks ever!! When we meet our MMC Jeremy he is in the present (well 1996) and he’s been in a horrible car accident; left with the choice of de@th or becoming a vampire. He of course chooses the ladder… but becoming a vampire isn’t easy on Jeremy and he’s plagued with thoughts of his former life and the girl he left behind.
Flashback to 1993 and we get to watch as Jeremy meets Emily. She manages to catch his eye, and avoid him for about a year.. he’s obsessed. When she finally shows up at a party, our boys got a bit of a reputation as being a ladies man.
I seriously ate this book up.. there were times I just couldn’t put the book down because what do you mean something big just happened and now we are in the past or in the present. I loved every single thing about this book - watching Jeremy and Emily’s relationship (fake dating to more…) to getting to know Jeremy’s vampire family. I loved how they participated in “mortal” traditions. My heart was broken and healed only to be broken some more. I know I’ll never look at a lollipop the same.
May 27, 2026
Dear Effie,
I say Effie because after that rollercoaster, I feel like you’re under my skin, so it feels like we’re on a first-name basis now.
Dear Effie, you ripped my heart out, destroyed my faith in humanity, and made me cry so hard my husband thought a family member had died (if only he knew how close to the truth that is).
This book tells the story of Jeremy, a young man who had everything, only to lose it all. He gets turned and needs to adjust to his new vampire life, which isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s a lot of struggle, but also the building of strong new friendships, a found family, and a lot of love.
We follow the story from Jeremy’s point of view, but through a dual timeline. Usually, I’m not a fan of jumping between timelines, but in this case it fits the story well and is necessary to give you all the information you need. The story builds beautifully until — BAM — a massive twist, the destruction of my soul, me yelling at Effie from behind my screen (hence the first-name basis), and the book flying across the room (figuratively speaking, of course — no one throws my precious Kindle).
It took me a few hours to recompose myself and be able to continue reading.
A book that can make me feel all these emotions is a book worth reading, so I gladly recommend adding it to your TBR or picking it up right away. It’s available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
I say Effie because after that rollercoaster, I feel like you’re under my skin, so it feels like we’re on a first-name basis now.
Dear Effie, you ripped my heart out, destroyed my faith in humanity, and made me cry so hard my husband thought a family member had died (if only he knew how close to the truth that is).
This book tells the story of Jeremy, a young man who had everything, only to lose it all. He gets turned and needs to adjust to his new vampire life, which isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s a lot of struggle, but also the building of strong new friendships, a found family, and a lot of love.
We follow the story from Jeremy’s point of view, but through a dual timeline. Usually, I’m not a fan of jumping between timelines, but in this case it fits the story well and is necessary to give you all the information you need. The story builds beautifully until — BAM — a massive twist, the destruction of my soul, me yelling at Effie from behind my screen (hence the first-name basis), and the book flying across the room (figuratively speaking, of course — no one throws my precious Kindle).
It took me a few hours to recompose myself and be able to continue reading.
A book that can make me feel all these emotions is a book worth reading, so I gladly recommend adding it to your TBR or picking it up right away. It’s available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
May 27, 2026
This was such a good read from a new-to-me author and honestly kept me emotionally invested the entire time.
Jeremy’s story was heartbreaking in a way because everything changes after the car accident that leaves him with an impossible choice: die or become a vampire. He chooses immortality, but that decision comes with losing the life he once knew and constantly being haunted by the girl he left behind.
Jeremy and Emily’s relationship was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved getting the flashbacks to when they first met and seeing how Emily completely caught his attention while also avoiding him for an entire year. Their connection felt emotional and believable which made the story hit even harder.
One thing I really appreciated was how well the timeline transitions were written. The flashbacks and present-day scenes felt balanced and natural instead of confusing or disruptive while reading. Everything unfolded at the right pace which made Jeremy’s emotional journey feel even stronger.
This book blends dark vampire romance with emotional tension, longing, grief, and a little suspense that keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5
Jeremy’s story was heartbreaking in a way because everything changes after the car accident that leaves him with an impossible choice: die or become a vampire. He chooses immortality, but that decision comes with losing the life he once knew and constantly being haunted by the girl he left behind.
Jeremy and Emily’s relationship was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved getting the flashbacks to when they first met and seeing how Emily completely caught his attention while also avoiding him for an entire year. Their connection felt emotional and believable which made the story hit even harder.
One thing I really appreciated was how well the timeline transitions were written. The flashbacks and present-day scenes felt balanced and natural instead of confusing or disruptive while reading. Everything unfolded at the right pace which made Jeremy’s emotional journey feel even stronger.
This book blends dark vampire romance with emotional tension, longing, grief, and a little suspense that keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4/5
May 16, 2026
This was my first read by this author, and damn am I glad I signed up to arc read it!
The story of Jeremy is truly wonderfully written. The changes between past and present were seamless and the love between Jeremy and Emily is relatable in many ways. Their fake relationship was spectacular. Tension built while Jeremy fell hard and Emily held back, making their inevitable union all the better. The emotions our mmc experiences can be felt through pages, leaving you wanting more. Jeremy felt like a real person. Jealous, overconfident, and at times reckless. His transformation was heartbreaking and the Emily curveball hit hard. This was a great read!
The story of Jeremy is truly wonderfully written. The changes between past and present were seamless and the love between Jeremy and Emily is relatable in many ways. Their fake relationship was spectacular. Tension built while Jeremy fell hard and Emily held back, making their inevitable union all the better. The emotions our mmc experiences can be felt through pages, leaving you wanting more. Jeremy felt like a real person. Jealous, overconfident, and at times reckless. His transformation was heartbreaking and the Emily curveball hit hard. This was a great read!
May 30, 2026
An absolutely phenomenal 3rd installment in The Soulbound Series.
I adored Jeremy and Emily's story, uplifting, heartwarming, and soul destroying. I desperately wanted so much more for them than they could ever have.
Jeremy's relationships with the Taylor clan build beautifully and the found family element is so strong in this story.
The split between past and present until it came together was done beautifully, and I could not put this down. At this point Effie Soumelidis is an auto-buy author for me.
I adored Jeremy and Emily's story, uplifting, heartwarming, and soul destroying. I desperately wanted so much more for them than they could ever have.
Jeremy's relationships with the Taylor clan build beautifully and the found family element is so strong in this story.
The split between past and present until it came together was done beautifully, and I could not put this down. At this point Effie Soumelidis is an auto-buy author for me.
May 28, 2026
This was such a good story. I loved everything about it. Him agreeing to fake date Emily so her family would back off, was sweet on his part. He was hoping he could get to fall in love with him. But for the kindest time it just didn’t happen. Then he’s turned. He tries to learn to live the life of a vampire. I loved the tension and everything that was this story. It was a really great read.
May 22, 2026
what an incredibly raw and beautifully painful story… 🥲 I knew this one was going to take its toll on me going into it, and it absolutely did.
Jeremy & Emily’s past easily became one of my favorite parts of this book. I really loved getting to see them go through all the stages - meeting, becoming friends, and falling for each other before that night. the dynamic and trust between them was everything from the start.
Em has zero filter, she’s strong, independent, and really fiery. the way jeremy fell for her immediately just made sense, their banter was endgame!!
I wanted nothing more for Jeremy than to get his happy ending (Jay ilysm but you really broke me for that 😭). it just felt like one thing after another for him, and honestly my poor baby vamp really went through it.
even after everything, Jer still manages to pour so much of himself into everyone and everything around him. I couldn’t put this one down, and I already know my vampire girlies are going to love this one!!
Jeremy & Emily’s past easily became one of my favorite parts of this book. I really loved getting to see them go through all the stages - meeting, becoming friends, and falling for each other before that night. the dynamic and trust between them was everything from the start.
Em has zero filter, she’s strong, independent, and really fiery. the way jeremy fell for her immediately just made sense, their banter was endgame!!
I wanted nothing more for Jeremy than to get his happy ending (Jay ilysm but you really broke me for that 😭). it just felt like one thing after another for him, and honestly my poor baby vamp really went through it.
even after everything, Jer still manages to pour so much of himself into everyone and everything around him. I couldn’t put this one down, and I already know my vampire girlies are going to love this one!!
May 24, 2026
Thank you to Effie for allowing me to arc read this ❤️ what a story. I was always intrigued by Jeremy so I really enjoyed getting to know his back story. I liked the way the story was told from 2 different times of before & after becoming a vampire. It felt like you got to know both versions of Jeremy well. There were moments of laughter, shock, tears, happiness.. all the emotions. I didn't quite expect Jeremy's story to be as heartbreaking as it was. Effie has outdone herself with this one & I'm already eagerly waiting the next book!!
May 26, 2026
Jeremy and Emily’s story was emotional and addictive, I loved the tension between them and how naturally their relationship developed throughout the book. Jeremy especially felt so real and flawed which made his character even more compelling. Such a heartfelt read!
May 25, 2026
That soft dom slow burn...
Jeremy is my new book boyfriend. The plot, the characters, the sex scenes *chefs kiss*. A new take on a vampire romance. I absolutely binged this book. Heartbreak and found family in this dual timeline worked so well. That final plot twist made me gasp out loud.
Jeremy is my new book boyfriend. The plot, the characters, the sex scenes *chefs kiss*. A new take on a vampire romance. I absolutely binged this book. Heartbreak and found family in this dual timeline worked so well. That final plot twist made me gasp out loud.
May 19, 2026
This one really grew on me as the story unfolded. Jeremy’s journey from human to vampire was compelling, especially watching him struggle to adjust to everything he had lost and become. What made the story stand out most though was the emotional depth of his relationship with Emily. Through the flashbacks, we get to see them fall deeply in love while also witnessing the heartbreak of losing each other. Their story was both beautiful and devastating in the best way, making the emotional moments hit even harder as the book progressed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well what can I say Effie has done it again, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel going into book 3 as I adore books 1&2 and Isaac and Rubys story….. BUT I think I may even love Jeremy’s story more. I never thought that could have even been possible! All three of the books so far in the Soulbound series have blown me away.
Although this is the third book in the series you could in theory read as a standalone, however, I would suggest reading the first two books before hand as I do think it brings more depth and connection to the characters but that said could definitely read as a standalone.
We follow Jeremy’s story through two timelines absolutely loved the 90’s vibes and era in this book too. Really brought some nostalgia to this 40 somethings ‘young days’ 🤣
The dual timeline was so well done both timelines complimented each other perfectly, just as a good dual timeline read should. Every chapter I was like ‘one more chapter’ as they are written in such a way you cannot stop!
I fell in love with Jeremy through this book. He is such a strong character and his love for Emily was so real and so captivating, and their banter is on another level. And let’s not forget the spicy, that be spicing that’s for sure!
What starts out as fake dating (one of my fav tropes!) ends in so many shattered pieces that will emotionally break your heart.
Jeremy and Emily’s story has so many twists and turns some you really won’t see coming, I had mouth open wide in a ‘ohhhhhhhh shit!’ Moment a few times! I had no idea where this was going, and I loved that.
Not only did it deepen my connection to Jeremy’s character it managed to draw me in deeper to connect with all the other Taylor’s (the vampire clan) and the order (vampire ‘law’) very cleverly weaved through the story has weaved more understanding for the world of vampires and the soulbound and how that effects them.
Effies writing is always so immersive and descriptive that you can’t not be drawn into this world.
I will be thinking about this book for a loooong time yet!
A must read for dark vampire romance fans who love a bit of suspense and family drama! This book really has it all.
Although this is the third book in the series you could in theory read as a standalone, however, I would suggest reading the first two books before hand as I do think it brings more depth and connection to the characters but that said could definitely read as a standalone.
We follow Jeremy’s story through two timelines absolutely loved the 90’s vibes and era in this book too. Really brought some nostalgia to this 40 somethings ‘young days’ 🤣
The dual timeline was so well done both timelines complimented each other perfectly, just as a good dual timeline read should. Every chapter I was like ‘one more chapter’ as they are written in such a way you cannot stop!
I fell in love with Jeremy through this book. He is such a strong character and his love for Emily was so real and so captivating, and their banter is on another level. And let’s not forget the spicy, that be spicing that’s for sure!
What starts out as fake dating (one of my fav tropes!) ends in so many shattered pieces that will emotionally break your heart.
Jeremy and Emily’s story has so many twists and turns some you really won’t see coming, I had mouth open wide in a ‘ohhhhhhhh shit!’ Moment a few times! I had no idea where this was going, and I loved that.
Not only did it deepen my connection to Jeremy’s character it managed to draw me in deeper to connect with all the other Taylor’s (the vampire clan) and the order (vampire ‘law’) very cleverly weaved through the story has weaved more understanding for the world of vampires and the soulbound and how that effects them.
Effies writing is always so immersive and descriptive that you can’t not be drawn into this world.
I will be thinking about this book for a loooong time yet!
A must read for dark vampire romance fans who love a bit of suspense and family drama! This book really has it all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another 5 star emotionally damaging book from Effie!!
Isaac and Ruby’s story is finished.. for now… but what about the rest of the Taylor’s? How did they come to join the family? Well, Pieces of You is Jeremy’s story, and it is truly heartbreaking!
As with You and Only You, we start off this book by being slam dunked right into the trauma!! It catches you immediately, and has you unable to put it down! There is a split timeline as you read going from the past to the present, making some parts hit so hard when you see why they make sense! It is written so well! It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I honestly was crying by the end!
Now you all know I adore Effie’s characters and all the Taylor’s (and Scooter.. I could change him I swear!).. but she brings a whole new angle on Jeremy and the Taylor’s that is just so emotionally tangled, that really pulls on your heartstrings! I felt so much closer to them from reading this book, and it introduced new characters for us all to completely fall in love with!
Emily is a feisty girl’s girl, who is just so beautifully honest and funny! Their love story is an EPIC slow burn with so much pay off! I was loving every banter filled interaction! It started as a fake date… then became something so much more!
I love how I could vividly imagine all of the spaces Effie created within this story, and she definitely bought back that nostalgic feeling with the 90’s! I loved every part of this book! And I can’t wait to see what the Taylor’s ( and scooter? 👀) have in store for us next!
So grab some tissues, and a lollipop or two and buckle-up buttercup!!
Isaac and Ruby’s story is finished.. for now… but what about the rest of the Taylor’s? How did they come to join the family? Well, Pieces of You is Jeremy’s story, and it is truly heartbreaking!
As with You and Only You, we start off this book by being slam dunked right into the trauma!! It catches you immediately, and has you unable to put it down! There is a split timeline as you read going from the past to the present, making some parts hit so hard when you see why they make sense! It is written so well! It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I honestly was crying by the end!
Now you all know I adore Effie’s characters and all the Taylor’s (and Scooter.. I could change him I swear!).. but she brings a whole new angle on Jeremy and the Taylor’s that is just so emotionally tangled, that really pulls on your heartstrings! I felt so much closer to them from reading this book, and it introduced new characters for us all to completely fall in love with!
Emily is a feisty girl’s girl, who is just so beautifully honest and funny! Their love story is an EPIC slow burn with so much pay off! I was loving every banter filled interaction! It started as a fake date… then became something so much more!
I love how I could vividly imagine all of the spaces Effie created within this story, and she definitely bought back that nostalgic feeling with the 90’s! I loved every part of this book! And I can’t wait to see what the Taylor’s ( and scooter? 👀) have in store for us next!
So grab some tissues, and a lollipop or two and buckle-up buttercup!!
May 22, 2026
Okay, I'm ready to talk about this book.
To me to was a mix of an interview with a vampire meets vampire diaries, flashbacks and all. The MMC Jeremy is a cocky SOB who thinks he is God's gift to woman but he meets a woman who one, doesn't fall at his feet and two, gives him hell. They settle for a fake date to get the FMC - Emily mother off her back about dating..then they fall in love.. until a tragic accident rips them apart..( not giving anything away) fluff happens all happy and rainbows and then my heart was ripped out and stamped upon!!!!
HEA...whats that? 😅
Also to add it was from the MMC pov which is different! I loved this book..even though im still processing..
4.5/5 ✨️
3 🌶
You need to read this if you love tropes with Vampires, found family, fated love, forced proximity, slow burn spice, fake dating.
In 1993, Jeremy Riviera had it all: the body of a Greek god, a genius-level IQ, and a full-ride scholarship to MIT. He was used to getting what he wanted—and who he wanted. Emily Chessington, however, the object of his desires, isn’t impressed. But she does need a boyfriend. Someone who can survive her image-obsessed mother and the suffocating expectations of her world. Jeremy? Perfect candidate. He agrees to fake date her, telling himself it’s temporary, that he can control it, that he can make her fall in love with him, that he will keep his jealousy in check. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.
What begins as a lie becomes obsession. Pretense becomes proximity. Proximity becomes devotion. Jeremy falls first—and for a long time, he falls alone. Loving Emily, truly loving her, will scar him in ways he never saw coming.
To me to was a mix of an interview with a vampire meets vampire diaries, flashbacks and all. The MMC Jeremy is a cocky SOB who thinks he is God's gift to woman but he meets a woman who one, doesn't fall at his feet and two, gives him hell. They settle for a fake date to get the FMC - Emily mother off her back about dating..then they fall in love.. until a tragic accident rips them apart..( not giving anything away) fluff happens all happy and rainbows and then my heart was ripped out and stamped upon!!!!
HEA...whats that? 😅
Also to add it was from the MMC pov which is different! I loved this book..even though im still processing..
4.5/5 ✨️
3 🌶
You need to read this if you love tropes with Vampires, found family, fated love, forced proximity, slow burn spice, fake dating.
In 1993, Jeremy Riviera had it all: the body of a Greek god, a genius-level IQ, and a full-ride scholarship to MIT. He was used to getting what he wanted—and who he wanted. Emily Chessington, however, the object of his desires, isn’t impressed. But she does need a boyfriend. Someone who can survive her image-obsessed mother and the suffocating expectations of her world. Jeremy? Perfect candidate. He agrees to fake date her, telling himself it’s temporary, that he can control it, that he can make her fall in love with him, that he will keep his jealousy in check. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t.
What begins as a lie becomes obsession. Pretense becomes proximity. Proximity becomes devotion. Jeremy falls first—and for a long time, he falls alone. Loving Emily, truly loving her, will scar him in ways he never saw coming.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review of advance copy of Pieces of You received from Ever After PR and the author Effie Soumelidis.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Release Date: 21/05/26
Firstly a huge thanks to Ever After PR and Effie Soumelidis for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Pieces of You.
This was my first experience of Effie’s writing, and I found myself questioning why I haven’t stepped into her words before. I was a little hesitant to read this book to begin with as it’s the third in the Soulbound series but I found that it can be read as a standalone – although I am literally running back to read the first two!
The story follows a dual timeline which brings a whole heap of welcomed nostalgia of the incredible 90’s which for those of us who have recently entered the 40’s club (cough cough) was a happy place in time.
Jeremy the MMC has a special place in my heart and I’m not mad about it…in fact I’ll go as far as to say that I challenge you to read this book and not completely fall in love with him. The love Jeremy had for Emily had me swooning…in a big way and the banter between the pair has you grinning from ear to ear. Team all that with the scotch bonnet spice and readers…..we have ourselves a winner!
The book is so well written, funny, spicy and enough emotion to have the tears rolling. I honestly could not put it down. Read this book on its own, read all 3 books, just be sure to read it, you’ll thank me later!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Release Date: 21/05/26
Firstly a huge thanks to Ever After PR and Effie Soumelidis for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Pieces of You.
This was my first experience of Effie’s writing, and I found myself questioning why I haven’t stepped into her words before. I was a little hesitant to read this book to begin with as it’s the third in the Soulbound series but I found that it can be read as a standalone – although I am literally running back to read the first two!
The story follows a dual timeline which brings a whole heap of welcomed nostalgia of the incredible 90’s which for those of us who have recently entered the 40’s club (cough cough) was a happy place in time.
Jeremy the MMC has a special place in my heart and I’m not mad about it…in fact I’ll go as far as to say that I challenge you to read this book and not completely fall in love with him. The love Jeremy had for Emily had me swooning…in a big way and the banter between the pair has you grinning from ear to ear. Team all that with the scotch bonnet spice and readers…..we have ourselves a winner!
The book is so well written, funny, spicy and enough emotion to have the tears rolling. I honestly could not put it down. Read this book on its own, read all 3 books, just be sure to read it, you’ll thank me later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ❣️
4.5 hearts for me!
I finished this book and just stared at my wall for a while because what even was Jeremy Riviera’s emotional situation???
This wasn’t just a vampire romance to me. It felt like reading the downfall of a man who loved someone so much that it slowly turned into obsession, grief, rage and complete self-destruction.
Jeremy frustrated me so many times, but that’s also why I loved reading him. He’s intense in the worst way possible. Jealous, controlling, emotionally reckless, constantly convincing himself he can handle things when he absolutely cannot. And somehow every bad decision he made just made me more attached to him.
The fake dating trope was SO good here because the emotional tension never stopped building. You could literally feel Jeremy getting more attached chapter by chapter while Emily stayed just out of reach enough to make everything worse. The yearning was painful.
And honestly? The transition from human Jeremy to vampire Jeremy broke my heart more than I expected. There’s this constant feeling of him losing himself piece by piece and trying to act like he’s still in control when he’s clearly falling apart internally.
This book is dramatic, messy, emotional and slightly toxic in the best dark romance way. The romance feels obsessive, the grief feels raw, and the emotional damage is very real.
Definitely one of those books where you finish it feeling emotionally attacked but also immediately want more.
4.5 hearts for me!
I finished this book and just stared at my wall for a while because what even was Jeremy Riviera’s emotional situation???
This wasn’t just a vampire romance to me. It felt like reading the downfall of a man who loved someone so much that it slowly turned into obsession, grief, rage and complete self-destruction.
Jeremy frustrated me so many times, but that’s also why I loved reading him. He’s intense in the worst way possible. Jealous, controlling, emotionally reckless, constantly convincing himself he can handle things when he absolutely cannot. And somehow every bad decision he made just made me more attached to him.
The fake dating trope was SO good here because the emotional tension never stopped building. You could literally feel Jeremy getting more attached chapter by chapter while Emily stayed just out of reach enough to make everything worse. The yearning was painful.
And honestly? The transition from human Jeremy to vampire Jeremy broke my heart more than I expected. There’s this constant feeling of him losing himself piece by piece and trying to act like he’s still in control when he’s clearly falling apart internally.
This book is dramatic, messy, emotional and slightly toxic in the best dark romance way. The romance feels obsessive, the grief feels raw, and the emotional damage is very real.
Definitely one of those books where you finish it feeling emotionally attacked but also immediately want more.
June 6, 2026
After spending months trying to win Emily’s heart following their fake dating arrangement, Jeremy finally got his chance at a real relationship. But everything changed when they were involved in a tragic car crash.
When Emily died in the accident, Jeremy was given a choice: die or become a vampire.
He chose to become a vampire, but the year that followed was incredibly difficult. While adjusting to his new life and grieving the loss of Emily, he was unable to see his human family, who believed he had died in the crash. Although he found support in his new vampire family, Jeremy struggled to move on from losing the person he loved most.
Okay, I’ll be honest, this one took me a while to get into. It’s definitely a slower burn, and I didn’t really feel hooked until a bit over halfway through. After that though, I flew through it.
This book had me laughing one minute and crying the next. There were a few things in it that hit close to home for me, but they didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.
I really liked how the relationship developed throughout the book, and by the end I was completely invested in the characters. Somehow it managed to make me sad and happy at the same time, and those are always the stories that stick with me the longest. ❤️📚
When Emily died in the accident, Jeremy was given a choice: die or become a vampire.
He chose to become a vampire, but the year that followed was incredibly difficult. While adjusting to his new life and grieving the loss of Emily, he was unable to see his human family, who believed he had died in the crash. Although he found support in his new vampire family, Jeremy struggled to move on from losing the person he loved most.
Okay, I’ll be honest, this one took me a while to get into. It’s definitely a slower burn, and I didn’t really feel hooked until a bit over halfway through. After that though, I flew through it.
This book had me laughing one minute and crying the next. There were a few things in it that hit close to home for me, but they didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.
I really liked how the relationship developed throughout the book, and by the end I was completely invested in the characters. Somehow it managed to make me sad and happy at the same time, and those are always the stories that stick with me the longest. ❤️📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC✨
First of all this is my first time reading a book by Effie Soumelidis.
That being said... It was wonderful.
I admit, I should've read the previous two books before starting this one, but besides that, the book was amazing.
A wonderful reminder of the '90s and a beautiful story.
Emily was an amazing character. Fierce, feisty... Battle born like. Seeing her through Jeremy's eyes was an experience on its own. You cannot not fall in love with her.
Going back and forth with the story is what made the slow burn in pace...
I don't like slow burns, because that sometimes tends to make the story boring... At least for me.
But, Effie somehow found the magic formula to make it all flow immaculate.
As for Jeremy...
Well, that was some character development. It takes a lot to control yourself in situations where you want to destroy everything. Learning... Seeing, bettering yourself for you and the ones that love you, guide you... Is an amazing achievement.
Thank you, Effie for putting everything together the way you did.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to fall in love with your writing, with the characters you present to us.
First of all this is my first time reading a book by Effie Soumelidis.
That being said... It was wonderful.
I admit, I should've read the previous two books before starting this one, but besides that, the book was amazing.
A wonderful reminder of the '90s and a beautiful story.
Emily was an amazing character. Fierce, feisty... Battle born like. Seeing her through Jeremy's eyes was an experience on its own. You cannot not fall in love with her.
Going back and forth with the story is what made the slow burn in pace...
I don't like slow burns, because that sometimes tends to make the story boring... At least for me.
But, Effie somehow found the magic formula to make it all flow immaculate.
As for Jeremy...
Well, that was some character development. It takes a lot to control yourself in situations where you want to destroy everything. Learning... Seeing, bettering yourself for you and the ones that love you, guide you... Is an amazing achievement.
Thank you, Effie for putting everything together the way you did.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to fall in love with your writing, with the characters you present to us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review*
This is my first experience of Effie's writing, but it won't be my last!
All I can say is wow..... I feel like I've just been used as an emotional punch bag! (Just the way I like feeling after reading a good book!)
Jeremy's character growth is amazing and you really feel all that raw emotion from him, the grief, pain, jealousy, love. He doesn't feel anything in half measures.
It didn't really feel like a vampire story for me, it felt very human throughout (even after he transitioned to vampire). It was less of a vampire story and more of a story about a man who loses everything and has to learn to live again.
Really intriguing and emotional storyline. Well done Effie and thank you for letting me be part of the ARC team!
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is my first experience of Effie's writing, but it won't be my last!
All I can say is wow..... I feel like I've just been used as an emotional punch bag! (Just the way I like feeling after reading a good book!)
Jeremy's character growth is amazing and you really feel all that raw emotion from him, the grief, pain, jealousy, love. He doesn't feel anything in half measures.
It didn't really feel like a vampire story for me, it felt very human throughout (even after he transitioned to vampire). It was less of a vampire story and more of a story about a man who loses everything and has to learn to live again.
Really intriguing and emotional storyline. Well done Effie and thank you for letting me be part of the ARC team!
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 2, 2026
What do you do when a book opens with a car crash and a man is given the option of life or death?
This story begins with quite the bang (literally) and immediately had me asking: How did we get here? What happened? And perhaps most importantly, who is going to survive the fallout?
If you've read any of this author's previous books, you'll already know Jeremy. But knowing him and truly understanding him are two very different things. Getting his backstory, feeling every ounce of his heartbreak, and seeing the world through his eyes was utterly devastating. Effie, you absolutely nailed it. My heart didn't just break for Jeremy — it was put through the tumble dryer.
Jeremy meets Emily on his first day of college, and she reads him with alarming accuracy. Unfortunately for him, she's also spectacularly unimpressed. She won't give him the time of day, and Jeremy becomes completely obsessed. He's looking for Emily, talking about Emily, thinking about Emily... honestly, if yearning were an Olympic sport, he'd be bringing home gold.
When their paths finally cross again, Emily still doesn't make things easy. Their friendship develops slowly, and the tension, longing, and hope woven throughout Jeremy's story are beautifully written.
The dual timelines — before the crash and after — work perfectly, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep you turning the pages while desperately trying to piece everything together.
This is one of those reviews that's incredibly difficult to write because the less you know going in, the better. So I'll simply say this: it's a story that lingered long after I turned the final page. Days later, I'm still thinking about Jeremy, Emily, and everything that happened between them.
A huge thank you to Effie and EverAfter PR for the ARC of this unforgettable read.
This story begins with quite the bang (literally) and immediately had me asking: How did we get here? What happened? And perhaps most importantly, who is going to survive the fallout?
If you've read any of this author's previous books, you'll already know Jeremy. But knowing him and truly understanding him are two very different things. Getting his backstory, feeling every ounce of his heartbreak, and seeing the world through his eyes was utterly devastating. Effie, you absolutely nailed it. My heart didn't just break for Jeremy — it was put through the tumble dryer.
Jeremy meets Emily on his first day of college, and she reads him with alarming accuracy. Unfortunately for him, she's also spectacularly unimpressed. She won't give him the time of day, and Jeremy becomes completely obsessed. He's looking for Emily, talking about Emily, thinking about Emily... honestly, if yearning were an Olympic sport, he'd be bringing home gold.
When their paths finally cross again, Emily still doesn't make things easy. Their friendship develops slowly, and the tension, longing, and hope woven throughout Jeremy's story are beautifully written.
The dual timelines — before the crash and after — work perfectly, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep you turning the pages while desperately trying to piece everything together.
This is one of those reviews that's incredibly difficult to write because the less you know going in, the better. So I'll simply say this: it's a story that lingered long after I turned the final page. Days later, I'm still thinking about Jeremy, Emily, and everything that happened between them.
A huge thank you to Effie and EverAfter PR for the ARC of this unforgettable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You will need your tissues.
I really wasn't expecting this, wow from the very beginning it has you hooked and hits your emotions so hard.
This is my first time reading from this author and I really enjoyed this book despite my emotional mess, I really enjoyed the main characters. Especially from their first meeting together.
Jeremy and Emily, they really are something else, full of banter and slow burn which is worth it and very spicy moments.
I really won't be able to forget this book anytime soon.
I really wasn't expecting this, wow from the very beginning it has you hooked and hits your emotions so hard.
This is my first time reading from this author and I really enjoyed this book despite my emotional mess, I really enjoyed the main characters. Especially from their first meeting together.
Jeremy and Emily, they really are something else, full of banter and slow burn which is worth it and very spicy moments.
I really won't be able to forget this book anytime soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve loved everything about the Soulbound Series. This book follows Jeremy. Getting to watch his relationship with Emily grow was so sweet… I loved their chemistry. I also enjoyed the dual time line and getting to see how he became a vampire and all the heart breaking challenges he endured… this poor man went through it!
This takes place in the 90s. I was definitely feeling a bit nostalgic while reading this. Especially with the slang that was used back then. It was a good time
This takes place in the 90s. I was definitely feeling a bit nostalgic while reading this. Especially with the slang that was used back then. It was a good time
May 27, 2026
Just finished Pieces of You and wow… this book had me fully entering my “one more chapter” era and accidentally staying up way too late. 😅 It delivered the perfect mix of emotional punches, tension, chemistry, and those moments where you pause reading just to stare into space and process your feelings.
The characters felt messy and real in the best way, flawed enough to frustrate me, lovable enough to make me emotionally invest in their story.
This one felt like a rollercoaster built entirely out of feelings: sweet moments, heart-clenching moments, and several “EXCUSE ME?!” moments. No spoilers, but if you love books that pull you in, make you feel attached to the characters, and leave you speed-flipping pages, add this one to your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mood after finishing: emotionally compromised, sleep deprived, and immediately needing to discuss it with someone.
The characters felt messy and real in the best way, flawed enough to frustrate me, lovable enough to make me emotionally invest in their story.
This one felt like a rollercoaster built entirely out of feelings: sweet moments, heart-clenching moments, and several “EXCUSE ME?!” moments. No spoilers, but if you love books that pull you in, make you feel attached to the characters, and leave you speed-flipping pages, add this one to your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mood after finishing: emotionally compromised, sleep deprived, and immediately needing to discuss it with someone.
May 31, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy
This book is amazing with the plot and the shift from past to present. The story followed our main male character Jeremy, the popular guy who has every girl ready for him until he met the one for him.
Romance and supernatural have been mixed in this book in a very interesting way that had me in love with it!
If you're into vampires, teen college drama, then this book is yours😉
This book is amazing with the plot and the shift from past to present. The story followed our main male character Jeremy, the popular guy who has every girl ready for him until he met the one for him.
Romance and supernatural have been mixed in this book in a very interesting way that had me in love with it!
If you're into vampires, teen college drama, then this book is yours😉
May 29, 2026
This is my first Effie Soumelidis book and my first vampire story in years, and I was sucked in right from the beginning. The start gave my a bit of Interview with the Vampire with how Jeremy met Jay. I also loved how it was written about Jeremy's life before he was turned and his life after. No sparkling vamps in this book haha.
I do plan on reading the first 2 books that follows Isaac and Ruby in The Soulbound Series and I can't to see whose story is next!
I do plan on reading the first 2 books that follows Isaac and Ruby in The Soulbound Series and I can't to see whose story is next!
Review of advance copy
Spark of Hope
While I absolutely loved this story, I was also completely emotional as Jeremy and Emily's journey did not end the way I expected. There were twists and turns that indid not see coming. It was well written and the character development was outstanding. I am definitely interested in what comes next for this series.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
While I absolutely loved this story, I was also completely emotional as Jeremy and Emily's journey did not end the way I expected. There were twists and turns that indid not see coming. It was well written and the character development was outstanding. I am definitely interested in what comes next for this series.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 4, 2026
I absolutely LOVE the duel timelines. Getting to know Jeremey in the past and the present was such an emotional rollercoaster. On the one hand, you've got young, college Jeremey who is falling love. Then, you have vampire Jeremey who is dealing with pain, uncertainty, and loss.
The beginning of Jeremey's journey as a vampire is, admittedly, a little slow. But, it is balanced out by the whirlwind relationship between him and Emily. Not only that, but the pace of Jeremey's vampire transition does a really good job of bringing you into his grief.
This book is definitely one that stands out because of the rawness and strength of the emotions. It's almost impossible to not get sucked into the passion and joy of Jeremey and Emily or the gut wrenching sorrow and utter defeat of Jeremey as a vampire.
The beginning of Jeremey's journey as a vampire is, admittedly, a little slow. But, it is balanced out by the whirlwind relationship between him and Emily. Not only that, but the pace of Jeremey's vampire transition does a really good job of bringing you into his grief.
This book is definitely one that stands out because of the rawness and strength of the emotions. It's almost impossible to not get sucked into the passion and joy of Jeremey and Emily or the gut wrenching sorrow and utter defeat of Jeremey as a vampire.
June 5, 2026
This book made me UGLY CRY. omg!!!! The emotional state I was in after reading it. This made me want to just hug a vampire. Jeremy’s character was amazing. I just wanted to give him a big huge mom hug. If you like to be emotionally worn out and cry big tears then read this one. It is amazing.
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026Honestly the writing of this book is amazing. But somewhere i did not connect with the plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride I wasn't prepared for. I have not read the other books in this series but if they are like this one, I will be adding them to my list to read. The back and forth between time periods really helps tell Jeremy's story and boy did I feel for the guy. As I mentioned this book had me feeling highs and lows in emotional feelings but it does end on a hopeful and good note but the journey there is brutal to the heart.
Thank you to the EverAfterPR and the author for providing a copy of this book to read. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the EverAfterPR and the author for providing a copy of this book to read. I highly recommend it.
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