A delayed haul with a slightly traumatic plot twist.
So⦠I technically bought these beauties at the start of the month, but thereās a reason this post has taken its sweet time to exist.
Weāll get to the drama shortly ā but first, letās appreciate what IĀ didĀ manage to get my hands on from my forever favourite bargain haven:Ā The WorksĀ (aka my personal bookish sanctuary).
⨠The Stack
A slightly chaotic mix of:
- Cowboy romance
- Vampires on road trips
- And a very pretty werewolf moment
Honestly? A vibe.

š What I Picked Up
š Mate by Ali Hazelwood
This one was love at first sight.
I picked up the special edition with the purple metallic title (because obviously ā purple = instant purchase). Itās such a tiny detail, but it makes it feel that little bit more magical.
Downside? The spine text basically disappears because itās dark purple on black⦠design choices were made š„²
Iāve already read Bride and loved it, so I have high hopes for this one. Thereās just something about werewolves that hits that nostalgic Team Jacob corner of my brain ā broody, loyal, slightly feral energy? Yes please. šŗš
š¤ Wild Card by Elsie Silver
Letās be honest: Elsie Silver owns cowboy romance at this point.
I already have the first three books waiting patiently on my shelf, but when I saw Wild Card, there was zero hesitation.
Her books are my go-to comfort reads:
- small-town energy
- slow-burn tension
- just the right amount of emotional chaos
Basically⦠cosy chaos in book form.
š Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine
Confession time: I already own the first two.
But when book three showed up withĀ sprayed edges that actually match the cover??Ā My brain immediately went: you need this.
And honestly⦠it was correct.
Cute vampire romance + aesthetic details = instant add-to-basket moment.

š¾ Wells Ranch Series (Books 1ā3) by Bailey Hannah
Iāve seen this series everywhere on Bookstagram, and clearly the marketing worked because⦠here we are.
When I spotted all three together, it was a no-thoughts, just-buy situation.
Cowboys. Ranch life. Romance.
Itās giving: country playlist playing softly while the sun sets over a field
ā¦and I am fully here for it š¾š
š¦ Now⦠the reason this post is late
Right. The chaos.
A few days after my in-store trip, I made the very dangerous decision to browseĀ The Works website⦠and of course, I found even more books IĀ neededĀ (including some with sprayed edges ā ultimate weakness).
Order placed. Happiness secured.
Then delivery day arrivesā¦
Tracking says: ādelivered.ā
Except⦠it very much was not.
After contacting Evri (and if youāre UK-based, you already know where this is going š ), it turns out:
š the driver basically stole my package.
Yep. My poor, innocent books didnāt even get their main character moment.
Thankfully, The Works customer service were amazing and refunded me quickly ā but still⦠it was a very real bookish heartbreak.
Iāll either try to hunt them down in-store or risk another online order (with slightly less trust this time).
⨠Final Thoughts (and Come Chat With Me)
Despite the drama, Iām genuinely obsessed with the books I did get.
Between:
- theĀ purple shimmer ofĀ Mate
- theĀ cowboy chaos of Elsie & Bailey
- and theĀ vampire road trip vibes
ā¦my October shelf is lookingĀ chefās kiss.
Have you ever had a parcel go missing (or worse⦠stolen š)?
And more importantly ā whatās been your favourite recent read?
Let me know, because clearly Iām always ready to add just one more to the TBR š

