Nicolle, or @njs_reads, opens up about starting her Bookstagram from her home in Guernsey, just 30 miles from Normandy, France. Being so close to what’s commonly known as the country of love, it makes sense she’s drawn to the romance genre. Her page highlights different types of romance tropes in every color on the spectrum against gray backgrounds. Read more about why Nicolle loves the book community and whose books she’s looking forward to reading below.
Nicolle of @njs_reads
Instagram | Goodreads
Let’s get started with the interview, Nicolle!
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
I started reading whilst on maternity leave in October 2023. After following so many bookish accounts on my personal Instagram, I gained the confidence to create my own and share my thoughts and love of reading. The community is one of my favorite things about Bookstagram and has kept me engaged and posting regularly.
Where are you from?
I live in Guernsey, the second largest island in the Channel Islands. We are located in the English Channel, just 30 miles from Normandy, France.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
My Bookstagram is my safe space. I want it to be that for others, too. I want people to feel like they can share their own recommendations and what they love about reading without feeling judged. Being able to connect with like-minded people — and even become friends with others from all around — means so much.
What are some of your favorite books and authors?
My list is endless. There are so many authors I have yet to start reading. However, my top three at the moment are Liz Tomforde with her Windy City series, Jenn McMahon with her Firsts In The City series, and anything by Meghan Quinn that makes me laugh out loud.
What’s on your TBR List?
I currently have over 100 books on my TBR list, and it continues to grow at a rapid pace — thank you, Bookstagram! My most anticipated new releases for 2025 are Wild Side by Elsie Silver, Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde, and The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content?
I don’t have an exact approach — it’s usually whatever comes to mind or what I feel like doing each day. I post reviews on books I have recently read and enjoyed. I wouldn’t post any negative reviews. I want to keep my Bookstagram as a positive place for everyone — including authors.
What’s your aesthetic / Instagram page theme?
I’ve made a few changes since I first started my page, but now I have finally found what I like. I tend to share my reviews with quotes, finding photos from Pinterest that go with the book aesthetic. I also do some bookish posts such as “this reader loves” and “girl math – book edition” which I really enjoy putting together.
How often do you post?
I try to post once every one or two days; however, with a very energetic one-year-old boy who likes to stay up late, it isn’t always possible. I read and post for enjoyment, and I never want it to feel like a chore, so if some days I don’t post, that is okay, too.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
I really enjoy my Bookstagram. Writing reviews for the books I love, creating posts, and connecting with others. I feel like it is more than just a hobby, but a passion. During any of my spare time, I am either reading, creating, or just scrolling through and adding all your recommendations to my TBR.
What’s your favorite bookstore?
Living on a small island, I don’t really have much of a choice of bookstores. We only have one small WH Smith. Whenever I travel to the UK, I always make time to go into Waterstones and The Works as I love looking out for special editions and sprayed edges that will look great on my bookshelves!
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
I’m very much in my Meghan Quinn era. Her books are great, “pick me up,” and they have me laughing out loud. Her audiobooks are my favorite – I’d never get bored!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
When I started my Bookstagram, I didn’t think I would even get 100 followers, but now, with over 10,000 people following along my reading journey and interacting with my posts, I’m still shocked. I appreciate every single one of you. I enjoy creating my page and am so grateful that others enjoy what I post, too.
Any advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
Go for it! The friendships you can make. The never-ending amount of book recommendations. I wish I started my reading journey a lot sooner — it’s my happy place. Create that account. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain.
A special thanks to Nicolle for participating as our Bookstagrammer of the Week. We hope your feed continues to flourish and grow and that you never stop recommending new reads for those of us wanting to lose ourselves in a sweet story of love. Please don’t forget to check out Nicolle on Instagram to find your next romance trope!
Click here to learn about another Bookstagrammer, Ash, who doled out some spooky reads for horror fans!
Click here to shop Bookstagrammers’ book recommendations.
