It's Monday! My Hopefuls

It’s Monday! My hopefuls 

First off I need to do my bullet journal layout for the week. I’m also working on my to do list this week. 

I have a tasty pistachio mushroom coffee. It’s quickly become my favorite sugar free syrup to add with MCT powder and collagen. I’ve got a tasty granola bar. 

On my TBR this week

Forsaken Vows by Nikki Ash

Releases Nov 12th 2026

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/dr2834rc

Talk to Me at Midnight by Stephanie Harina 

Releases Nov 11th 2026

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/msypax4r

Violent Devotion by L. Norell 

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/5b3bn974

Wipe Bite by Alexandra Vasti 

Release Nov 11th 2026 

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/2uyhsu6d

How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander 

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/d7n3sx2u

Dreaming of the Defender by Jane Handler 

Releases Nov 12th 2026 

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/hdwm3eph

Power Exchange by Meagan Brandy & S.T. Abby 

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/2ydc2vr4

I’m working on a new bag crochet project. I’m also working on finishing 2 bookmarks. 

I’ve got some other projects, sourdough to create. 

I just watched the reunion of Love is Blind it’s nutty. 

QOTD What’s on your TBR list this week? 

Book Review: The Other Side of Starting Over

Title -  The Other Side of Starting Over 

Author - Mara Williams 

Publication - November 3rd 

Genre -  Contemporary Romance  

Format - Paperback 

From - Lake Union Publishing 

Grab your copy (Here) 

Add to yourTBR (HereHere 

Synopsis 

When her husband’s tragic death uncovers long-buried secrets, a young mother fights to protect her family and heal her heart in an emotionally resonant novel about loss, love, and second chances.

After her husband’s sudden death, Beatrice Bell retreats to her childhood home in California’s Sierra mountains with her rebellious teenage twins in tow. Her plan is to take over her parents’ antique store, ensure it survives another generation, and build a new life from the rubble of the old one.

But Bea didn’t plan on Simon, the gruff store manager with his own ambitions for the business. As they’re forced to work together, animosity gives way to grudging respect and ignites an unexpected spark. Before Bea can find her footing, everything is upended. First by River, a local boy who bears a striking resemblance to her late husband. Then by her estranged mother-in-law, who reveals devastating secrets that will test everything Bea believed about her marriage.

As Bea navigates grief, betrayal, and an unexpected connection with Simon, she finds that it may be possible to begin again, but only if she confronts the truth of her past.

Review 

I received The Other Side of Starting Over in return for an honest review from Over The River PR. 

Bea has moved home after the tragic loss of her husband and high school sweetheart passes away suddenly. She has so many questions and challenges to overcome moving home in edition to raising twin teenagers. I can't even imagine what she's got to deal with but I really felt like I was able to connect with her and really loved Bea as a character. We have a whole cast her twins remind me so much of my own teenager I felt that I was really able to connect with her and just love Bea. 

I devoured Bea's story in just one afternoon as I was hook from start to finish and loved how she grew as a character as the story progressed. I loved Simon he's kind of awesome and exactly what she needed even if she didn't see it at first. I also think how she handles every challenge that comes her way was just right. This is a very emotional read but in a good way I had some happy tears after reading it. 

This is my first book by the author and i"m so glad that I read this one as I'm now hooked. The author has done a lovely job creating characters to fall in love with, a story to steal your heart and linger long after the story ends. I was captivated from start to finish and now I need to read all the authors books. Her storytelling is beautiful and I'm just in love with her writing. I'm looking forward to reading all her backlist books. Highly recommend if you are looking for a emotional romance to fall in love with. 

Bookmail

 

Bookmail

I received some lovely stunning bookmail that I’m so excited to read. These are all surprise bookmail which is the best. A huge thank you to all the amazing publishers for the stunning bookmail.

From Gallery Books

Stormraven by Kelsea Yu

Releases March 23rd 2026

Horror Gothic

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/4mjywtyj

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/msyk8ury

From S&S Saga Press

Cello’s Gate by Maurice Africh

Available now

Fantasy Sci-Fi Pirates Space Opera

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/2nfhfrjn

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/v6fzeyey

Timeless by A.F. Steadman

Releases March 16th 2026

Fantasy Sci-Fi Romance

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/bdhef9pc

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/39a5e3zn

G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Mr. Mendlebee’s Pandimensional Literary Repository (And Yarn) by Rebecca McKee

Releases November 17th 2026

Fantasy Cozy Fiction

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/5h9nxt6e

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/akacxdc9

QOTD Did you receive any bookmail this week?

Thriller Thursday

New week and a new thriller that I’m listening to.

I’m working on my waffle blanket crochet project. I’m looking forward to seeing this blanket all done because I’m a little obsessed with the waffle stitch.

I’ve got a tasty pistachio mushroom coffee which is my go to.
Today the teenager and I are going to do my roots and touch up my pink hair.

My thriller this week is our bookclub book for next week. After our last thriller a few of the girls are nervous. However, I have heard so many amazing things. I’m excited to dive into it.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Thriller Mystery
Grab a copy https://tinyurl.com/mtsy2r7d
Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/2ur53chx

Synopsis
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.
Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.
Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him....
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

QOTD What are you currently reading?

Can't Wait Wednesday

Can’t Wait on Wednesday

It’s a new week with a new upcoming release I can’t wait o get my hands on. This week I’m sharing Jennifer Estep’s upcoming release. I love her books and I’m very excited for her new Romantasy. I have this one pre-ordered and I can’t wait till it arrives the sprayed edges are stunning.

Queen of Foxes by Jennifer Estep

Romantasy inspired by Robin Hood Retelling

Releases Dec 1st 2026

Pre-order your copy https://tinyurl.com/3k3kdspr

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/bvnne553

Synopsis

HER ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING.

IT’S TIME TO STEAL IT ALL BACK.

Rinley Renard isn’t just a master thief—she’s also the sole survivor of a political coup that nearly destroyed Feronia. When the opportunity to steal a priceless sword brings Rinley back to the scene of the massacre, it’s a chance to exact her revenge—even if it means masquerading as a guard in the enemy stronghold, where she’s still a hunted fugitive.

Prince Zoren Dreiko may be the empire’s most powerful Dread Knight, but he has his own reasons for quelling the latest Feronian rebellion. Capturing the masked outlaw stirring unrest might finally free Zoren of his father’s traitorous legacy, and keep the vicious empress he serves from taking his head.

Trapped in a brutal cat-and-mouse game, Rinley and Zoren’s forbidden attraction blurs the line between duty and desire. When victory for one will doom the other, both are faced with an impossible choice between love and loyalty.

Experience Sherwood Forest like never before in this sizzling Robin Hood– inspired romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep.

QOTD What upcoming release are you excited for?

 

WIP Wednesday & Mid Week Check-In

WIP Wednesday & Mid Week Check-In

It’s half way through the week already and this week is flying by so fast.

Last night we saw the new Resident Evil and it reminds me of the video game Back for Blood. It was good but not my favorite.

I finished Law Maker by Susie Tate and loved it. Highly recommend if you enjoy a billionaire romance.

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/5ymchwf7

I’m starting Deal Breaker by Susie Tate and can’t wait for Poppy & Rory’s story.

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/ydkh7rrc

I received some of my pre-orders yesterday

Snowed in by Navessa Allen

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/j9av8x6t

East of Envy by Nikki St. Crowe

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/5ah437yd

The Sharpest Court by Kiera Azar

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/5ejkafcd

New Recruit by Moscareto

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/ycb9a9ku

I’m working on my blanket this week. I’m getting close to needing another ball of yarn and plan to grab one today. I love the color changing pattern.

I picked up a new bag as I love smaller crossbody perfect to carry my kindle, wallet and lipgloss.

I’ve got a tasty pistachio coffee to start the morning and a new journal.

We have colorguard finals this weekend and I’m hoping for nice weather as I plan to be in the stands all day.

On Wednesday We Stack Pink

 I thought this was a fun way to stack pink today. I decided to pick some of the pink books sitting on my kindle. I’ve got an amazing list of ebooks on my kindle so narrowing it down to just 6 was a bit of a challenge but I think it’s a pretty stack of eBooks on my kindle.

My stack this week 

Dreaming of the Defender by Jane Handler 

Releases Nov 12th 2026 

Pre-order your copy (Here) 

Raul and his Vampire Prince by Ataru SONOGUCHI 

Grab your copy (Here)

Forsaken Vows by by Nikki Ash 

Release Nov 12th 2026 

Pre-order your copy (Here) 

A Murderous Omega by Penny Foxglove

Grab your copy (Here) 

Red, White, Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

Grab your copy (Here) 

Home for the Homicides by Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey 

Grab your copy (Here)

Share a pink book cover? 

Happy Release Day! Bookmail

 

It’s release day for the second book in Susie Tate’s new series The Aristocrats of London. I received some stunning bookmail last night!!! With beautiful artwork I’m a little obsessed. From Good Girls PR.

I’m almost finished with the first in the series Law Maker and will be diving into Deal Breaker this morning. I love her story telling and I’m obsessed with this series.

Deal Breaker by Susie Tate

Contemporary Romance, enemies to lovers

Release Nov 3rd 2026

Grab your copy https://tinyurl.com/4fvbkxtc

Add to your TBR https://tinyurl.com/y7h7e6p9

Opening Line

“How do I look?” I spun around, my skirt flying out around me in a shimmering mass of tulle and sequins. “Like a sexy if slightly demented Tinkerbell,” Josh said, and I beamed at him.

Teaser

Poppy—”

“Look, our current truce is about working together for Connor’s sake. It wasn’t an invitation for you to start interfering in my personal life.”

My jaw clenched in frustration. This wasn’t about her personal life; it was about her safety.

“You’re so irresponsible,” I said without thinking, and she flinched as if I’d slapped her. I knew I was fucking up, but my worry for her was overriding my ability to not be a total dickhead. “You waltz through the world totally oblivious to all the danger around you. It’s all rainbows and glitter and sparkles to you. Your family have sheltered and indulged you your whole life, but in the real world, there is real danger, and you cannae⁠—”

Synopsis 

Everyone loves Poppy. She’s pure sunshine vibes with an infectious snort-laugh, and nobody is immune to her outrageous flirting. Nobody, that is, apart from her much older brother’s best friend, former Scottish rugby star and grumpy fun sponge, Rory Wallace.

The last thing Rory wants is a woman who represents everything he avoids: cameras, chaos and constant attention. The irony is that although Lady Poppy Sterling flirts with the world, the man she’s had a crush on since childhood can’t stand her. At least that’s what he tells himself…

It’s only when Rory's betrayal leaves Poppy vulnerable to both paparazzi and predators that he realises too late what he stands to lose. Her celebrity lifestyle might be his dealbreaker, but his failure to protect her? That's hers.

DEAL BREAKER is an enemies-to-lovers, brother’s best friend, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine contemporary romance featuring family secrets, red carpet drama, and a grumpy hero who'll move heaven and earth to protect his sunshine girl—once he realises she's been his all along.

Content warning: discussions of drink spiking and predatory behaviour.