Looking to fall back in love with reading this season? Allow us to introduce you to Sarah, also known as @pleasantreader. Sarah’s Instagram is part autumn-lover’s paradise, part dark romance reader’s ultimate library — and it’s all wrapped up in a golden glow. Read on to catch a glimpse into Sarah’s book nook, uncover her ultimate fictional crush, and discover her all-time favorite reads. We can assure you: these darkly romantic yet fantastical reads will keep you warm even as the temperature starts to drop!
Sarah of @pleasantreader
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Fable
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started my Bookstagram in January 2022, and it started off as my own digital book journal. It’s my own little outlet to rant about my current reads and favorite books. I also love discovering new, indie authors and showcasing them for others to fall in love with!
Where are you from?
Florida. The not-so-sunshine state.
Fun Fact about you:
I have been obsessed with books for as long as I can remember. I actually had issues with reading in elementary school and had to take special classes to help. Since then, reading’s been my passion!
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
- @booknookdreams
- @literary.misfit
- @thefolkloriandreamer
- @thecozylibrary_
- @bookf0x
- @fairycorebookclub
- @books_emmallion
- @madly_reading
Favorite Books and Authors:
I have a few authors that are consistent favorites, which means I will read anything they write. They would be: Jennifer L. Armentrout, Holly Black, Jen Morris, and Syn Blackrose.
For books, I have all-time favorites and favorites I’ve read this year. My all-time favorites are:
- A Light In The Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Queen of Nothing by Holly Black,
- Wrecked by Lauren Asher
- Marrow by Brynne Weaver and Trisha Wolfe
My favorite reads of 2025 are:
- The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
- The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
- Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde
Fictional Crush:
I have so many. It’s not even funny! My top crush is Casteel Da’Neer from the Blood and Ash series. I love that man so much, it’s insane! Honorable mentions: Nyktos (also from the Blood and Ash series), Lance Orion, Cassian, Jack Sorenson, and Vane.
5 Books on your TBR:
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, Quicksilver by Callie Hart, The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin, and Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon.
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas. They’re a tandem read, and I am awful at reading two books at once. It’s very daunting to me — but I’m determined to read them this year!
Name a popular author/book/book series that you haven’t read yet but want to?
Everything by Rachel Gillig. I own so many of her books, but I just haven’t picked one up yet. I know they’ll be amazing, though.
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
I don’t really keep up with publishing companies.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content?
I don’t know if I have a special approach. When I first started my Bookstagram, I was so worried about what everyone else wanted to see on my page, and that burned me out really fast. Now, after having one for over three years, I’ve learned to just post what I want to show people. If you think it’s important and you love it, you should post it.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I live in the least fall-like place there is, but my page has that cozy, autumn vibe all year long. I love it!
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
Like I said before, it’s my digital book journal. It’s a place for my book reviews, my rants, my thoughts. It’s a catalog of my favorite hobby: reading. Starting my Bookstagram honestly changed my life in a lot of ways. I now have lifelong friends because of my little page, and knowing that brings so much more meaning to it.
Favorite indie bookstore:
I have a few small town ones I go to a lot, but it’s probably Steamy Lit. That’s my fave, and the vibe there is always phenomenal.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
Jen Morris or Holly Black. I would read their grocery lists if they’d let me.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
Favorite book cover:
I just recently bought the cover-to-cover special editions of The Flesh and Fire series, and they are some of the prettiest covers I have ever seen. I would also say The Hurricane Wars has a stunning cover.
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why?
I love hand-lettering on my posts when I need some kind of text. It’s my favorite little touch to add. I also doodle on my posts every once in a while, and it’s how my page originally started. My notes app is my favorite place to brainstorm. All my content starts there.
What do you like most about Bookstagram?
The community. It’s the only reason I stick around. I’ve made so many amazing friends on this platform, and they make it worth it. Finding people who love the books you love is the best feeling.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
Lucy Score. I met her back in 2023. She came to a Books-A-Million near me, and I waited in a long line — in the heat. I think their AC was out or something. Anyway, I got to the front of the line, and she was the nicest person ever. She was so sweet and freaked out over how tabbed my copies of her books are. I’m an over-tabber. Then, she gestured her husband over, and he started gushing over my over-tabbed books and took photos of them. It was adorable! I loved meeting them both.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Instagram can be the worst and best social media app ever. Engagement is trash, and it makes you rethink your entire page, aesthetic, and all your posts — but don’t listen to all that. Numbers don’t matter when you’re posting the content you love. Your community will find you and love what you post. Just have fun with it!
A huge thank you to Sarah for taking the time to chat with us! Be sure to follow her on Instagram to add a much-needed golden hour glow to your feed and a romantic twist to your TBR list.
Looking for other bookish creators to follow? Click here to read our interview with the charming and relatable Solenn!
Stock your shelves with some Bookstagrammer favorites from our Bookstagrammer Picks – What Are Their Favorite Picks? bookshelf!
