A Little Reward for Surviving Week One Back at Work
Surviving the first week back at work absolutely deserves a reward… right?
For me, that looked like a spontaneous little trip to The Works, where I (very easily) convinced myself I needed a few new physical books. There’s just something comforting about walking out with a bag full of stories waiting to be read.
Here’s what came home with me…
📖 What I Picked Up
✨ Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid (Deluxe Edition)
This one is such a beauty.
I already own the deluxe edition of the first book in the Winston Brothers series, so the moment I spotted this, I knew it had to come home with me.
- ✨ Sprayed edges that match the cover (we love a coordinated moment)
- 📖 Bonus features galore — illustrations, a map (always here for a map), family tree, dating profiles, a playlist, even a deleted scene
Honestly… it’s everything my collector heart could want.
Safe to say, I’m now fully committed to owning the entire series in deluxe editions.
☀️ Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
This one has been everywhere lately—Bookstagram made sure of that—and I finally gave in.
I’ve only read Bride by Ali Hazelwood before (and loved it), so I’m going into this one with high hopes. I’m expecting something cozy with a little bit of spice… the perfect in-between read.
💙 Love Arranged by Lauren Asher
Book three in the series—and there was no way I was leaving it behind.
There’s something about having an unfinished series on my shelf that just doesn’t sit right with me. Now it’s complete, and honestly? My brain feels so much calmer.
✨ Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Another one I’ve been slowly collecting.
These kinds of additions always feel less like “treating myself” and more like gently building my own little bookish universe—one series at a time.
📖 Book Boyfriend by Lucy Vine
This was a pure impulse buy—and I regret nothing.
I read the blurb, got immediately intrigued, and then the sprayed edges sealed the deal. It feels like it’s going to be a fun, lighter read to balance out some of my heavier fantasy and darker romance picks.
🍩 Bonus Treat: Hogwarts Doughnuts
Because clearly, books weren’t enough…
After my book haul stop, I popped into ASDA and somehow ended up leaving with the Hogwarts Krispy Kreme doughnuts—and honestly, no regrets.
- Me: Hufflepuff (thanks to Hogwarts Legacy 💛)
- OH: Gryffindor
- Eldest: Gryffindor
- Youngest: still undecided… but proudly leaning Hufflepuff
The Hufflepuff doughnut (obviously the best one) was caramel cream filled, topped with chocolate drizzle and cookie pieces, and finished with an edible crest.
It was so good—and even better with a hot cup of tea.
✨ Final Thoughts & Come Chat
All in all, the perfect way to celebrate surviving that first week back—new stories for the shelves and a little sweetness for the soul.
Do you treat yourself to a little reward after a tough week?
And more importantly… which book from this haul would you pick up first?
Between the Pages & Pixels 