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When Pages Meet Pixels
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
About the author
J.D. Southwell
10 books71 followersJD 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 19, 2026
Thank you BRBF Book Tours, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I knew I was in for a good time with the opening sentence 😜now I'll always think about this when I eat lasagna!
This is a short read, with perfect pacing. The plot with the twist and turns were strategic and made it hard to put the book down!
I loved how Natalie a (small business owner) was 🤏🏾 Close to getting arrested because if it were me, I would've been smiling for my mugshot but my girl held it together 💁🏾♀️. Honestly, it made the ending that much sweeter because we are team Natalie and Dexter over here.
Dexter, was driving me insane with his secret. I really wanted him to man up and stand 10 toes 🦶🏾down on what he believes in. Otherwise,I loved him so much for how connected he was to Natalie 🫶🏾
Some notes:
Sandra wants to be something that she's not 🙄
Lawrence is a poor excuse for a man 🤨
Lawrence mom is trash 🗑️
Lawrence dad is the man of the year 🏆
Overall, this is a cute love story that will have you clutching your pearls, cussing, talking to yourself, rolling your eyes, cheering but it's all worth it at the end! I loved this book and look forward to reading more from JD Southwell
I knew I was in for a good time with the opening sentence 😜now I'll always think about this when I eat lasagna!
This is a short read, with perfect pacing. The plot with the twist and turns were strategic and made it hard to put the book down!
I loved how Natalie a (small business owner) was 🤏🏾 Close to getting arrested because if it were me, I would've been smiling for my mugshot but my girl held it together 💁🏾♀️. Honestly, it made the ending that much sweeter because we are team Natalie and Dexter over here.
Dexter, was driving me insane with his secret. I really wanted him to man up and stand 10 toes 🦶🏾down on what he believes in. Otherwise,I loved him so much for how connected he was to Natalie 🫶🏾
Some notes:
Sandra wants to be something that she's not 🙄
Lawrence is a poor excuse for a man 🤨
Lawrence mom is trash 🗑️
Lawrence dad is the man of the year 🏆
Overall, this is a cute love story that will have you clutching your pearls, cussing, talking to yourself, rolling your eyes, cheering but it's all worth it at the end! I loved this book and look forward to reading more from JD Southwell
April 13, 2026
Cute…
This was a really cute, low-angst romance. Dexter and Natalie meet at a club party for her brother but are unaware that they share her brother in common, so they sort of have a one-night stand, and when Natalie learns that she almost screwed her little brother's best friend, she cuts off contact. But what she couldn't predict was that Dexter would eventually start working for her and be as persistent as he was. I enjoyed this, but I thought that both Natalie and Dexter were too old to be sneaking around and not communicating with the people in their lives.
This was a really cute, low-angst romance. Dexter and Natalie meet at a club party for her brother but are unaware that they share her brother in common, so they sort of have a one-night stand, and when Natalie learns that she almost screwed her little brother's best friend, she cuts off contact. But what she couldn't predict was that Dexter would eventually start working for her and be as persistent as he was. I enjoyed this, but I thought that both Natalie and Dexter were too old to be sneaking around and not communicating with the people in their lives.
May 17, 2026
Thank you J. D. Southwell and BRBF Book Tours for this ARC.
This is an age gap romance with the brother’s best friend.
I really liked Dexter. He stood ten toes down on his dreams and did not let anything and anyone redirect him. He was nerdy but not a square. I enjoyed his vibe. I like that Natalie eventually opened the store that she actually wanted. Changing her initial plan to incorporate Lawrence the first time around came back to bite her in the ass. Natalie finally got it together but she needed to be honest with herself much sooner. The arrangement with Lawrence went on for way too long. Especially with her knowing he was just using her and her dad. The money was not worth having to consistently interact with him and his trash ass mother.
I know it’s the main point of the story but they were too grown to be keeping these secrets from the people around them. They both let their lies drag on for way too long. And Dexter judging her for her secret but still keeping his had me side eyeing him for a minute.😒
Idk if I’m just being nitpicky but the timelines didn’t always line up and some of the inconsistencies took me out of the story. Some of the scenes were a little over the top to me. The blind date from Hell, the girl at Ricky’s graduation party and Renee from Natalie’s interview. Even the reveal of all the secrets at the end was a lot. All those secrets did not have to be revealed like that.
Also who did Dexter see Mya’s man hugged up on at the club?
The story started off with a bang but the ending felt rushed. Natalie should have at least cussed out his mama for the years of disrespect.
This is an age gap romance with the brother’s best friend.
I really liked Dexter. He stood ten toes down on his dreams and did not let anything and anyone redirect him. He was nerdy but not a square. I enjoyed his vibe. I like that Natalie eventually opened the store that she actually wanted. Changing her initial plan to incorporate Lawrence the first time around came back to bite her in the ass. Natalie finally got it together but she needed to be honest with herself much sooner. The arrangement with Lawrence went on for way too long. Especially with her knowing he was just using her and her dad. The money was not worth having to consistently interact with him and his trash ass mother.
I know it’s the main point of the story but they were too grown to be keeping these secrets from the people around them. They both let their lies drag on for way too long. And Dexter judging her for her secret but still keeping his had me side eyeing him for a minute.😒
Idk if I’m just being nitpicky but the timelines didn’t always line up and some of the inconsistencies took me out of the story. Some of the scenes were a little over the top to me. The blind date from Hell, the girl at Ricky’s graduation party and Renee from Natalie’s interview. Even the reveal of all the secrets at the end was a lot. All those secrets did not have to be revealed like that.
Also who did Dexter see Mya’s man hugged up on at the club?
The story started off with a bang but the ending felt rushed. Natalie should have at least cussed out his mama for the years of disrespect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
When Pages Meet Pixels was such a fun, emotional, and spicy read. From the very beginning, Natalie and Dexter’s connection had me hooked. Their chemistry felt natural, intense, and layered with so much tension that I found myself flying through chapters just to see what would happen next.
What really stood out to me was how human these characters felt. Natalie was navigating heartbreak, pressure, and healing while still trying to hold herself together, and I really appreciated how realistic that journey felt. Dexter was equally compelling because beneath the charm and confidence, he was also struggling with expectations and trying to pursue the life he actually wanted for himself.
I also loved that this story gave us more than romance. There were themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, family dynamics, forgiveness, and learning to choose yourself after disappointment. The emotional moments balanced really well with the humor, the tension, and the spice.
And speaking of spice… yeah, this book definitely brought the heat 😮💨🔥
Another thing I appreciated was the representation throughout the story, especially Natalie creating space for minority authors through her bookstore. That detail made the story feel even more meaningful and intentional.
Overall, this was a heartfelt romance filled with chemistry, healing, passion, and two characters trying to find their footing while falling for each other. If you enjoy Black romance with emotional depth, strong attraction, and characters that feel real, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
What really stood out to me was how human these characters felt. Natalie was navigating heartbreak, pressure, and healing while still trying to hold herself together, and I really appreciated how realistic that journey felt. Dexter was equally compelling because beneath the charm and confidence, he was also struggling with expectations and trying to pursue the life he actually wanted for himself.
I also loved that this story gave us more than romance. There were themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, family dynamics, forgiveness, and learning to choose yourself after disappointment. The emotional moments balanced really well with the humor, the tension, and the spice.
And speaking of spice… yeah, this book definitely brought the heat 😮💨🔥
Another thing I appreciated was the representation throughout the story, especially Natalie creating space for minority authors through her bookstore. That detail made the story feel even more meaningful and intentional.
Overall, this was a heartfelt romance filled with chemistry, healing, passion, and two characters trying to find their footing while falling for each other. If you enjoy Black romance with emotional depth, strong attraction, and characters that feel real, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
May 23, 2026
This book was such a cute, romantic, emotional and refreshing read! Definitely one that puts you in a feel good mood.
Natalie and Dexter are two people who are both dealing with the pressure of keeping secrets difficult situations while also navigating their own self-discovery journeys and emotions. You could really understand them and relate to the things they were going through personally. Adding in the extra drama of their lives just made it even better.
Reading about their relationship that started off in a crazy way to seeing how they both were able to explore their strong feelings for each other and even lean on each other in their hardest moments was something I loved. It brought out different sides of them in the best ways possible. And the spice? It’s a yes from me 🙂↕️🔥
Even though it’s not a long book, nothing felt rushed and I was definitely entertained throughout the book. If you’re looking for a cute, funny, and emotional romance that also brings the spice AND the mess, I would definitely recommend!
Natalie and Dexter are two people who are both dealing with the pressure of keeping secrets difficult situations while also navigating their own self-discovery journeys and emotions. You could really understand them and relate to the things they were going through personally. Adding in the extra drama of their lives just made it even better.
Reading about their relationship that started off in a crazy way to seeing how they both were able to explore their strong feelings for each other and even lean on each other in their hardest moments was something I loved. It brought out different sides of them in the best ways possible. And the spice? It’s a yes from me 🙂↕️🔥
Even though it’s not a long book, nothing felt rushed and I was definitely entertained throughout the book. If you’re looking for a cute, funny, and emotional romance that also brings the spice AND the mess, I would definitely recommend!
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Black Romance Book Fest for sending me a copy of When Pages Meet Pixels by J.D. Southwell in exchange for an honest review. And honestly… it ended up being a pretty entertaining contemporary romance, even though I’ve realized lately that I’m not fully in my romance-reading mood right now.
The story follows Natalie after she catches her fiancé cheating, and honestly… I was immediately on her side. That type of betrayal right at the beginning really set the tone for the rest of the book. Natalie was probably my favorite part of the story because she had so much personality. She was charismatic, emotional, and messy in a way that felt realistic instead of overdramatic. I really liked how she handled the cheating situation in the moment because she didn’t just completely fall apart. Now, I won’t say I agreed with everything that happened afterward, but at the same time… a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do to get her lick back sometimes.
I also really liked Dexter. He had that nerdy IT guy energy that somehow worked really well for me. He was ambitious, focused on building success for himself, and didn’t feel one-dimensional. I liked that he had passions outside of the romance because it made him feel more grounded and believable as a character.
I think the strongest part of this book was watching two people who were both dealing with their own emotional baggage slowly figure things out together. There was drama, chemistry, emotional moments, and enough tension to keep me interested even during moments where I wasn’t fully invested in the romance itself.
Overall, if you like contemporary romance with cheating drama, emotional messiness, and a nerdy love interest with actual personality, this is probably one you’d enjoy. And yes, for my happily-ever-after readers… you do get the HEA in the end.
The story follows Natalie after she catches her fiancé cheating, and honestly… I was immediately on her side. That type of betrayal right at the beginning really set the tone for the rest of the book. Natalie was probably my favorite part of the story because she had so much personality. She was charismatic, emotional, and messy in a way that felt realistic instead of overdramatic. I really liked how she handled the cheating situation in the moment because she didn’t just completely fall apart. Now, I won’t say I agreed with everything that happened afterward, but at the same time… a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do to get her lick back sometimes.
I also really liked Dexter. He had that nerdy IT guy energy that somehow worked really well for me. He was ambitious, focused on building success for himself, and didn’t feel one-dimensional. I liked that he had passions outside of the romance because it made him feel more grounded and believable as a character.
I think the strongest part of this book was watching two people who were both dealing with their own emotional baggage slowly figure things out together. There was drama, chemistry, emotional moments, and enough tension to keep me interested even during moments where I wasn’t fully invested in the romance itself.
Overall, if you like contemporary romance with cheating drama, emotional messiness, and a nerdy love interest with actual personality, this is probably one you’d enjoy. And yes, for my happily-ever-after readers… you do get the HEA in the end.
March 25, 2026
Tender and Messy... I was ALL in!
Thank you to elle kay gee publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciated the chance to read this one early.
I had a really good time with this book. Natalie and Dexter had chemistry right out the gate, but what worked for me most was that their relationship had real emotional weight behind it. This was not just attraction, banter, and spice thrown together. Both of them were carrying baggage, and the story actually gave that room to matter.
Natalie’s arc really worked for me. She is trying to rebuild after betrayal, and that part felt grounded. Dexter brought a softer, thoughtful energy that balanced her well, and together they were playful, messy, sexy, and unexpectedly tender. I also liked the contrast between her bookstore and body butter world and his gaming and coding world. That gave the story its own personality and made the title feel earned.
Now let me be real. This book is messy. The first sentence sat me down and got me ready to go! The drama was dramatic, and there were definitely moments that had me laughing one minute and clutching my chest the next. Between the fake dating, close proximity, age gap, family tension, and all the chaos surrounding Natalie’s ex and the people connected to him, there was always something going on.
I’m landing at 4 stars because the ARC still had a few noticeable editorial issues, including typos and some awkward phrasing. Nothing that ruined the reading experience for me, but enough that I noticed.
Overall, this was a fun, emotional, and sexy read with actual depth. If you like Black romance, older woman/younger man, fake dating, healing after heartbreak, and a quiet, supportive nerdy hero, this is worth checking out.
Thank you to elle kay gee publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciated the chance to read this one early.
I had a really good time with this book. Natalie and Dexter had chemistry right out the gate, but what worked for me most was that their relationship had real emotional weight behind it. This was not just attraction, banter, and spice thrown together. Both of them were carrying baggage, and the story actually gave that room to matter.
Natalie’s arc really worked for me. She is trying to rebuild after betrayal, and that part felt grounded. Dexter brought a softer, thoughtful energy that balanced her well, and together they were playful, messy, sexy, and unexpectedly tender. I also liked the contrast between her bookstore and body butter world and his gaming and coding world. That gave the story its own personality and made the title feel earned.
Now let me be real. This book is messy. The first sentence sat me down and got me ready to go! The drama was dramatic, and there were definitely moments that had me laughing one minute and clutching my chest the next. Between the fake dating, close proximity, age gap, family tension, and all the chaos surrounding Natalie’s ex and the people connected to him, there was always something going on.
I’m landing at 4 stars because the ARC still had a few noticeable editorial issues, including typos and some awkward phrasing. Nothing that ruined the reading experience for me, but enough that I noticed.
Overall, this was a fun, emotional, and sexy read with actual depth. If you like Black romance, older woman/younger man, fake dating, healing after heartbreak, and a quiet, supportive nerdy hero, this is worth checking out.
May 16, 2026
Natalie Hunter has sworn off men after catching her fiancé cheating on her with one of their employees. But for the sake of business and, both of their financial interests, they agree to pretend they’re still engaged.
Natalie thrives on structure and control, but keeping up the lie while running a business starts wearing her down. Then one night, while out celebrating, she has an unexpected meet cute… only to find out the charming stranger is her brother’s roommate.
Dexter Greenson has secrets of his own. While graduating on his parents’ dime with the expectation that he’ll take over the family business, he’s actually pursuing a completely different dream: creating video games. His parents see gaming as nothing more than a hobby, so Dexter keeps up the façade of working in tech while hiding the truth about what he really wants for his future.
But things get even more complicated when he lands a job at the company Natalie owns.
Natalie and Dexter both navigate the complications of their secrets, family expectations, and what it truly looks like to choose themselves while finding solace, comfort, and love in each other during their own journeys of self-discovery.
I found this book so funny, entertaining, and honestly such a great read about self-discovery, pulling away from familial expectations, and learning to choose yourself. The witty banter was EVERYTHING, and there were so many quotable moments because why did this book have me crying laughing over wondering what it would be like to get “deep penetrating backshots while eating a plate of lasagna” 😭😭😭
MIND YOU… that was in the FIRST CHAPTER, so I already knew I was in for a ride LOL.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review via Black Romance Book Tours.
Natalie thrives on structure and control, but keeping up the lie while running a business starts wearing her down. Then one night, while out celebrating, she has an unexpected meet cute… only to find out the charming stranger is her brother’s roommate.
Dexter Greenson has secrets of his own. While graduating on his parents’ dime with the expectation that he’ll take over the family business, he’s actually pursuing a completely different dream: creating video games. His parents see gaming as nothing more than a hobby, so Dexter keeps up the façade of working in tech while hiding the truth about what he really wants for his future.
But things get even more complicated when he lands a job at the company Natalie owns.
Natalie and Dexter both navigate the complications of their secrets, family expectations, and what it truly looks like to choose themselves while finding solace, comfort, and love in each other during their own journeys of self-discovery.
I found this book so funny, entertaining, and honestly such a great read about self-discovery, pulling away from familial expectations, and learning to choose yourself. The witty banter was EVERYTHING, and there were so many quotable moments because why did this book have me crying laughing over wondering what it would be like to get “deep penetrating backshots while eating a plate of lasagna” 😭😭😭
MIND YOU… that was in the FIRST CHAPTER, so I already knew I was in for a ride LOL.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review via Black Romance Book Tours.
April 3, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
First of all… let me just say this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD 😩👏🏾
Natalie’s story? Whew. Imagine building a business with the man you love, only to find out he’s been playing in your face the whole time. Instead of breaking down, sis flipped the script. She took what she was owed (period!) and built something of her own—a bookstore that becomes more than just a business… it becomes her healing space. And I LOVED that for her.
Now enter Dexter… 👀
Tech genius. Gamer. Fine. Slightly rebellious against his parents’ expectations. And when he and Natalie meet? BABY—it’s giving instant chemistry, almost-one-night-stand, tension so thick you could CUT IT.
But the real gag?
He’s her brother’s best friend.
Yeah… cue the “FML” moment 😭
When Dexter walks into her bookstore for a job interview like nothing happened?? I was SCREAMING. The awkwardness? The tension? The “we definitely shouldn’t do this but we absolutely will” energy?? TOP TIER.
And let’s talk about that slow burn…
Because once they cross that line again? Oh, they don’t look back.
What I loved most is that this wasn’t just romance. This was:
Healing from betrayal
Finding your purpose
Learning you are enough
And allowing yourself to be fully loved
Natalie’s growth was BEAUTIFUL. Dexter? Whew… he came in like a wrecking ball and not only did his dreams come true. But he got his girl back too.
Final Thoughts:
This book gave romance, growth, and emotional depth ALL in one. It’s messy, real, and soft in all the right places. If you love a story where love finds you when you’re finally choosing yourself—this one is IT.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
First of all… let me just say this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD 😩👏🏾
Natalie’s story? Whew. Imagine building a business with the man you love, only to find out he’s been playing in your face the whole time. Instead of breaking down, sis flipped the script. She took what she was owed (period!) and built something of her own—a bookstore that becomes more than just a business… it becomes her healing space. And I LOVED that for her.
Now enter Dexter… 👀
Tech genius. Gamer. Fine. Slightly rebellious against his parents’ expectations. And when he and Natalie meet? BABY—it’s giving instant chemistry, almost-one-night-stand, tension so thick you could CUT IT.
But the real gag?
He’s her brother’s best friend.
Yeah… cue the “FML” moment 😭
When Dexter walks into her bookstore for a job interview like nothing happened?? I was SCREAMING. The awkwardness? The tension? The “we definitely shouldn’t do this but we absolutely will” energy?? TOP TIER.
And let’s talk about that slow burn…
Because once they cross that line again? Oh, they don’t look back.
What I loved most is that this wasn’t just romance. This was:
Healing from betrayal
Finding your purpose
Learning you are enough
And allowing yourself to be fully loved
Natalie’s growth was BEAUTIFUL. Dexter? Whew… he came in like a wrecking ball and not only did his dreams come true. But he got his girl back too.
Final Thoughts:
This book gave romance, growth, and emotional depth ALL in one. It’s messy, real, and soft in all the right places. If you love a story where love finds you when you’re finally choosing yourself—this one is IT.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
May 15, 2026
First of all, I’d like to thank BRBF, the publisher, and author J.D. Southwell for the privilege to receive an ARC of this book.
When Pages Meet Pixels was such a fun, emotional, and spicy read that had me hooked from page one! This book delivered the perfect balance of romance, comedy, drama, and whew… the SPICE was definitely spicing 🤏🏾🔥
One thing I really appreciated was the character growth, especially with Natalie. Watching her go from heartbroken and holding onto the hope of her ex returning to finally realizing she deserved more was beautifully written. Her journey felt realistic and relatable, especially as someone who understands what it’s like to put other people’s happiness before your own. Seeing her slowly let her guard down and allow herself to experience real love was such a rewarding journey.
And Dexter? BABY. The transformation from quiet, reserved computer nerd to “Sexy Dexey” had me giggling and clutching my pearls the entire time. The chemistry between him and Natalie was undeniable, but what made their relationship stand out was how grounded it felt emotionally. Dex consistently showed up for Natalie, even when she tried to push him away, and the way they worked through their baggage together made their connection feel authentic.
I also loved that this story gave us more than just romance. Themes of vulnerability, forgiveness, self-discovery, and evolving family dynamics added so much depth to the story. And that birthday dinner/secret reveal party? Absolute chaos in the BEST way. I was cackling.
If you enjoy romances with emotional depth, relatable characters, tension, passion, and a satisfying HEA, definitely pick this one up!
When Pages Meet Pixels was such a fun, emotional, and spicy read that had me hooked from page one! This book delivered the perfect balance of romance, comedy, drama, and whew… the SPICE was definitely spicing 🤏🏾🔥
One thing I really appreciated was the character growth, especially with Natalie. Watching her go from heartbroken and holding onto the hope of her ex returning to finally realizing she deserved more was beautifully written. Her journey felt realistic and relatable, especially as someone who understands what it’s like to put other people’s happiness before your own. Seeing her slowly let her guard down and allow herself to experience real love was such a rewarding journey.
And Dexter? BABY. The transformation from quiet, reserved computer nerd to “Sexy Dexey” had me giggling and clutching my pearls the entire time. The chemistry between him and Natalie was undeniable, but what made their relationship stand out was how grounded it felt emotionally. Dex consistently showed up for Natalie, even when she tried to push him away, and the way they worked through their baggage together made their connection feel authentic.
I also loved that this story gave us more than just romance. Themes of vulnerability, forgiveness, self-discovery, and evolving family dynamics added so much depth to the story. And that birthday dinner/secret reveal party? Absolute chaos in the BEST way. I was cackling.
If you enjoy romances with emotional depth, relatable characters, tension, passion, and a satisfying HEA, definitely pick this one up!
May 15, 2026
I had the pleasure of being selected as an ARC reviewer for When Pages Meets Pixels by J. D. Southwells and let me tell you a time was had!!!
Natalie and Dex cross paths in the most unlikely of ways and their chemistry is on 🔥 at first sight! I love that they both have a similar drive to make their dreams come true and that they're assets to each other. I have to admit that I thought Nat was a little bit too nice and she should have turned up just a little bit 🤏🏾 more but I will love her and Dex! Oh and Amber is the homie! It's a funny, wild, and eventful ride where everyone gets what they deserve. Whether that's good or bad that's up to you to read and find out! 😉
I want you to go on the same ride that I did so I won't tell you too much but you can expect:
🥹Sweet yearning from both MCs
👀 Sibling's BBF forbidden romance
🤏🏾 Small Age Gap
🤐🤫 There's a lot of secrets going on
📚🎮 Book lover vs Gamer
🔥🫠🥵🥴 He talks her all the way through it
This book is out now on Kindle(also KU) and Paperback. It's a quick and fun read seasoned with some drama that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Natalie and Dex cross paths in the most unlikely of ways and their chemistry is on 🔥 at first sight! I love that they both have a similar drive to make their dreams come true and that they're assets to each other. I have to admit that I thought Nat was a little bit too nice and she should have turned up just a little bit 🤏🏾 more but I will love her and Dex! Oh and Amber is the homie! It's a funny, wild, and eventful ride where everyone gets what they deserve. Whether that's good or bad that's up to you to read and find out! 😉
I want you to go on the same ride that I did so I won't tell you too much but you can expect:
🥹Sweet yearning from both MCs
👀 Sibling's BBF forbidden romance
🤏🏾 Small Age Gap
🤐🤫 There's a lot of secrets going on
📚🎮 Book lover vs Gamer
🔥🫠🥵🥴 He talks her all the way through it
This book is out now on Kindle(also KU) and Paperback. It's a quick and fun read seasoned with some drama that I thoroughly enjoyed!
May 17, 2026
Thanks BRBF for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was a slow burn for me, but I enjoyed it. I wish more drama would have unfolded earlier in the book vs the end. Natalie put a lot of focus into her business and brand, ultimately missing the signs that her fiancé was out being trifling. It surprised me that she was able to remain calm, even during times that I felt she should have acted a fool. Lawrence’s mother was something else. Mr. Freeman wasn’t for her attitude that she had towards Natalie. Dexter and Natalie link up in a nightclub, while celebrating Ricky’s and his recent graduation. Unknowingly, they hook up before realizing they both share a close relationship with Ricky. A surprise hookup is revealed at the end, and I would have liked to see more of how that relationship started, as well as learning a bit more about the Freeman’s and their drama that unfolded. Hopefully there is a continuation of this book, as I’d like to see what’s happening next in everyone’s life. All in all, I rate this book 3/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
At its core, this book explores:
Vulnerability vs. self-protection, creative identity, and purpose. Trust in love when the stakes feel high, and emotional alignment over perfection
JD does a beautiful job showing that love isn’t always loud—it’s often found in consistency, in presence, in the small moments that build something unshakable.
When Pages Meet Pixels is one of those reads that sneaks up on you. You go in curious… maybe even a little unsure—and come out emotionally invested, slightly stressed, but fully satisfied.
It has the drama, the laughs, the heat, and most importantly, it has so much heart.
This isn’t just a story about two people falling in love.
It’s about what happens when two souls recognize each other in a world full of noise—and decide, despite everything, to choose each other anyway.
And listen… when a book gives you all of that?
Yeah. That’s one for the shelves.
Vulnerability vs. self-protection, creative identity, and purpose. Trust in love when the stakes feel high, and emotional alignment over perfection
JD does a beautiful job showing that love isn’t always loud—it’s often found in consistency, in presence, in the small moments that build something unshakable.
When Pages Meet Pixels is one of those reads that sneaks up on you. You go in curious… maybe even a little unsure—and come out emotionally invested, slightly stressed, but fully satisfied.
It has the drama, the laughs, the heat, and most importantly, it has so much heart.
This isn’t just a story about two people falling in love.
It’s about what happens when two souls recognize each other in a world full of noise—and decide, despite everything, to choose each other anyway.
And listen… when a book gives you all of that?
Yeah. That’s one for the shelves.
May 18, 2026
Cute, Nerdy, and Actually Hot
I had such a good time reading this.
Blerd romances really don’t get enough attention, so I already appreciated getting characters like Natalie and Dexter on the page. They worked.
The relationship build felt natural, and I liked that both of them came into the story with flaws, pressure, insecurities, their own shakey family dynamics, friends and things they needed to figure out. Nobody felt perfect, which made the connection feel stronger.
Natalie and Dexter also had real chemistry. The attraction was there early, but the emotional side built alongside it instead of getting lost behind the romance. I love good golden retriever. They are rare and Im going to hold tight to him
The plot stayed solid the whole way through too. Family expectations, career pressure, trying to live for yourself instead of everybody else…it all blended together well without feeling heavy.
This was fun, sweet, and honestly just a really enjoyable read. I finished satisfied with where they ended up and would absolutely read more about them.
I had such a good time reading this.
Blerd romances really don’t get enough attention, so I already appreciated getting characters like Natalie and Dexter on the page. They worked.
The relationship build felt natural, and I liked that both of them came into the story with flaws, pressure, insecurities, their own shakey family dynamics, friends and things they needed to figure out. Nobody felt perfect, which made the connection feel stronger.
Natalie and Dexter also had real chemistry. The attraction was there early, but the emotional side built alongside it instead of getting lost behind the romance. I love good golden retriever. They are rare and Im going to hold tight to him
The plot stayed solid the whole way through too. Family expectations, career pressure, trying to live for yourself instead of everybody else…it all blended together well without feeling heavy.
This was fun, sweet, and honestly just a really enjoyable read. I finished satisfied with where they ended up and would absolutely read more about them.
May 19, 2026
When Pages Meet Pixels
J.D. Southwell
When the expectations of others prevent you from living your truth, it makes life unbelievably difficult.
Dexter has his personal goals set out for himself, but his perceived expectations of his parents cloud his judgement. He can’t imagine the disappointment they might feel if he can’t fulfill their vision of success.
Natalie has tasted the type of betrayal no one should have to endure. Lawrence is a delusional bastard, and his mama too. Her incentive to continue a charade doesn’t match the mental toll. With the possibility giving up even more of her peace of mind is up for consideration, she starts to evaluate her options.
Dexter gives her hope. It isn’t forced and he would prefer not to pretend the passion he possesses for her is an illusion. He’s willing to put in a little work to stay in her line of sight.
❤️ * I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#readandtellwithshantel #BRBFBookTour
3.5
J.D. Southwell
When the expectations of others prevent you from living your truth, it makes life unbelievably difficult.
Dexter has his personal goals set out for himself, but his perceived expectations of his parents cloud his judgement. He can’t imagine the disappointment they might feel if he can’t fulfill their vision of success.
Natalie has tasted the type of betrayal no one should have to endure. Lawrence is a delusional bastard, and his mama too. Her incentive to continue a charade doesn’t match the mental toll. With the possibility giving up even more of her peace of mind is up for consideration, she starts to evaluate her options.
Dexter gives her hope. It isn’t forced and he would prefer not to pretend the passion he possesses for her is an illusion. He’s willing to put in a little work to stay in her line of sight.
❤️ * I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#readandtellwithshantel #BRBFBookTour
3.5
May 23, 2026
After suffering a devastating heartbreak, Natalie Hunter is focused on two things…her family and her business. As she prepares for an upcoming festival, she hires a team to assist, including her little brother’s best friend Dexter Greenson. He just needs to work until his passion for creating a gaming system comes to fruition. What started out as an accidental hookup, suddenly turned cold, and the HEAT IS ON!
This was my introduction to @jdsouthwells catalog, and I’m anxiously anticipating more. The character development is phenomenal and the storyline flowed with ease. That plot twist at the end still has my jar on the floor. I applauded the FMC for fattening her pockets, while getting her revenge and leveling up. My favorite character is Natalie and Dexter. At the end of the day, they both won. My least favorite character is a tie between Janice and Sandra. I wish there was a bonus chapter where we could see these two implode.
This is one book that I will recommend over and over.
This was my introduction to @jdsouthwells catalog, and I’m anxiously anticipating more. The character development is phenomenal and the storyline flowed with ease. That plot twist at the end still has my jar on the floor. I applauded the FMC for fattening her pockets, while getting her revenge and leveling up. My favorite character is Natalie and Dexter. At the end of the day, they both won. My least favorite character is a tie between Janice and Sandra. I wish there was a bonus chapter where we could see these two implode.
This is one book that I will recommend over and over.
April 5, 2026
Hidden Agendas
There’s nothing like a good family dinner where secrets are revealed, lies are shared, and drama ensues. This pivotal moment in the book made it quite interesting to say the least. The recurring family dinners are a theme in this book.
Thoughts on the MMC & FMC:
I’m convinced Dexter’s nerdy swagger had to be on 10,000 because the description of him and his personality was a conundrum. He was kind, but gave off street appeal, quiet but nerdy. While he seemed timid and reserved, Dexter was confident in his skills and his confidence.
Natalie is heartbroken but driven to succeed in her newest venture. The last thing she was looking for was someone new. Unfortunately the person she falls for should be the one she avoids.
There’s nothing like a good family dinner where secrets are revealed, lies are shared, and drama ensues. This pivotal moment in the book made it quite interesting to say the least. The recurring family dinners are a theme in this book.
Thoughts on the MMC & FMC:
I’m convinced Dexter’s nerdy swagger had to be on 10,000 because the description of him and his personality was a conundrum. He was kind, but gave off street appeal, quiet but nerdy. While he seemed timid and reserved, Dexter was confident in his skills and his confidence.
Natalie is heartbroken but driven to succeed in her newest venture. The last thing she was looking for was someone new. Unfortunately the person she falls for should be the one she avoids.
May 18, 2026
TBH, it took me a couple days after I finished to decide how b I wanted to approach this review without spoiling it, because I absolutely enjoyed it so much. When I personally talk about wanting a partner who is a nerd (age appropriate, of course) , this is one example of what I mean and I won't be explaining further. I also have a new use for ice cream. (IYKYK). The author did her thing with this book, and this was a great example as to why she is one of my new favorite indie authors . The chemistry between Natalie and Dexter was executed beautifully, and I was emotionally spent by the time I was finished with the story. And the drama, baby had me in a chokehokd. My mouth stayed open. This was such a great read and I am so ready for the author's next book
May 19, 2026
I received this ARC as part of the BRBF Book Tour in exchange for my honest review.
This is a quick, lighthearted read that I couldn’t put down. The connection between Natalie and Dexter is so cute and many parts of the book had me laughing out loud.
Natalie meets her little brother’s best friend, Dexter, at a club and almost hooks up with him before they realize who each other is. They spend most of the book trying to deny/hide their feelings for each other while also harboring major secrets from each of their families.
There’s a lot of drama and some scenes are a bit over the top, but always entertaining. A very fun read. This was my first read from this author and I plan to check out more of her work in the future
This is a quick, lighthearted read that I couldn’t put down. The connection between Natalie and Dexter is so cute and many parts of the book had me laughing out loud.
Natalie meets her little brother’s best friend, Dexter, at a club and almost hooks up with him before they realize who each other is. They spend most of the book trying to deny/hide their feelings for each other while also harboring major secrets from each of their families.
There’s a lot of drama and some scenes are a bit over the top, but always entertaining. A very fun read. This was my first read from this author and I plan to check out more of her work in the future
May 17, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! When Pages Meet Pixels was such a fun, spicy, and heartfelt read. Natalie and Dexter’s chemistry was undeniable from the start—full of witty banter, sizzling tension, and plenty of passion.
I absolutely loved the age-gap dynamic, and the forced proximity + fake dating tropes made this even more addictive. Beyond the romance, I really appreciated the healing journey woven throughout the story. Watching both characters work through their pasts while finding love felt authentic and emotional.
If you love romance with great chemistry, spice, emotional depth, and trope-filled goodness, this is definitely the book for you. Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved the age-gap dynamic, and the forced proximity + fake dating tropes made this even more addictive. Beyond the romance, I really appreciated the healing journey woven throughout the story. Watching both characters work through their pasts while finding love felt authentic and emotional.
If you love romance with great chemistry, spice, emotional depth, and trope-filled goodness, this is definitely the book for you. Highly recommend!
March 28, 2026
missing something
I enjoyed Dex and Nat’s story. It very much served as a palette cleanser for me after reading so much heavy stuff. I love that it had its fair share of drama but it wasn’t overwhelming. The only thing for me is that I feel like it didn’t necessarily finish, it more like stopped. I would’ve have gladly given the fifth star if I wasn’t left with questions. All I needed was one more chapter or two - the parents meeting, Rikki and Dex having the talk, Nat and Dex relationship growing, him getting his business, you know just a little bit more
I enjoyed Dex and Nat’s story. It very much served as a palette cleanser for me after reading so much heavy stuff. I love that it had its fair share of drama but it wasn’t overwhelming. The only thing for me is that I feel like it didn’t necessarily finish, it more like stopped. I would’ve have gladly given the fifth star if I wasn’t left with questions. All I needed was one more chapter or two - the parents meeting, Rikki and Dex having the talk, Nat and Dex relationship growing, him getting his business, you know just a little bit more
May 15, 2026
Thank you to Black Romance Festival Book Tours and J.D. Southwell for the ebook in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this one if you’re looking for a lighthearted, low stakes read. The concept of the story was cute, certain parts were a little too over the top for me. It’s a short read, so I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get out of a reading slump or for those who are trying to get back into reading.
Read if you enjoy:
-Brother’s best friend trope
-Age gap romances
-Bookish main characters
Read if you enjoy:
-Brother’s best friend trope
-Age gap romances
-Bookish main characters
March 26, 2026
Engaging Read
Dexter had that quiet, “nerdy” charm with just the right touch of spice. His character felt well balanced, and I enjoyed how his layers unfolded throughout the story.
Natalie frustrated me at times. Some of her choices felt unnecessary. Especially in how she handled certain situations. Still, her character added tension and kept things interesting.
The chemistry between them was there but felt restrained at times with the secrecy.
Dexter had that quiet, “nerdy” charm with just the right touch of spice. His character felt well balanced, and I enjoyed how his layers unfolded throughout the story.
Natalie frustrated me at times. Some of her choices felt unnecessary. Especially in how she handled certain situations. Still, her character added tension and kept things interesting.
The chemistry between them was there but felt restrained at times with the secrecy.
April 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a bit torn on this one. It was a quick read with interesting main characters. Writing was easy to follow, but at some point the story began to drag. More like it became a bit redundant with the Lawrence storyline. And the secret reveal involving Lawrence was a bit convoluted.
Sandra didn’t suffer enough for the amount of disrespect she showed.
But I really like the brothers, Ricky and Black. Now a story about Mya and Leonard would be nice.
I’m a bit torn on this one. It was a quick read with interesting main characters. Writing was easy to follow, but at some point the story began to drag. More like it became a bit redundant with the Lawrence storyline. And the secret reveal involving Lawrence was a bit convoluted.
Sandra didn’t suffer enough for the amount of disrespect she showed.
But I really like the brothers, Ricky and Black. Now a story about Mya and Leonard would be nice.
April 30, 2026
This is my second J.D. Southwell book and she did not disappoint. This was such a good romance book. Seeing the table of contents and knowing the chapters were titled gave me hope that this was going to be a good book. From the first page I was locked in. This story is a wild, cute, and messy one. It's a completed story but I'm already in need of updates on some characters because I need to know what they up to.
*I was granted an arc in exchange for my honest review*
*I was granted an arc in exchange for my honest review*
May 17, 2026
Don't let the cute cover fool you When Pages Meet Pixels is full of secrets, drama and spicy moments. Natalie and Dexter have more in common than they could have expected at first glance— later discovering they’re nerdy workaholics. I liked the conflict in this story but wish it could have been resolved sooner so we could truly enjoy this couple together for a longer time.
Thanks to the Black Romance Book Fest book tours for the ARC & opportunity. All thoughts are my own!
Thanks to the Black Romance Book Fest book tours for the ARC & opportunity. All thoughts are my own!
April 24, 2026
I’m not a fan of age gap romance but I enjoyed this.
Natalie & Dexter were so cute. I wish we got to know them better outside of the secrets they were holding from their families.
Lawrence is a f*ck 🥷🏾. Him, his mom, & that jezebel Sandra got what they deserved. Mr. Freeman basically said “we gone celebrate what? My divorceeeeeee” 😂
Natalie & Dexter were so cute. I wish we got to know them better outside of the secrets they were holding from their families.
Lawrence is a f*ck 🥷🏾. Him, his mom, & that jezebel Sandra got what they deserved. Mr. Freeman basically said “we gone celebrate what? My divorceeeeeee” 😂
May 15, 2026
Secrets, lies, love and betrayal. This was such a cute rom com. I loved the storyline between Natalie and Dexter. It could have gotten real messy lol but for the most part this was a lighthearted, age gap, forbidden, close proximity romance. A re read for sure. Lawrence deserved worse! But, im glad Natalie got her new start.
April 8, 2026
OMG this was so good.
This was quirky and cute and so sweet.
Best couple ever (some age gaps still aren’t my preference, but this was well done).
Oh and Latrice and Sandra and Lawrence can go to hell 😂
This was quirky and cute and so sweet.
Best couple ever (some age gaps still aren’t my preference, but this was well done).
Oh and Latrice and Sandra and Lawrence can go to hell 😂
May 6, 2026
Looks can be deceiving
Thank you #BRBF for this ARC opportunity. I’m truly surprised because the cover of this and description fooled me!
This was messy, funny and relatable.
My fav quote from the story is
“That’s the problem with trying to be in control all the time: you miss your blessing when you don’t use your support group around you.”
If that didn’t attack you… I don’t know what will. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you #BRBF for this ARC opportunity. I’m truly surprised because the cover of this and description fooled me!
This was messy, funny and relatable.
My fav quote from the story is
“That’s the problem with trying to be in control all the time: you miss your blessing when you don’t use your support group around you.”
If that didn’t attack you… I don’t know what will. I highly recommend this one.
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