Beyond the Setup

by Nikki Witt

After escaping a toxic marriage, Nessa has finally put the pieces of her life back together with only one goal in mind- protect her daughter, Emma, at all costs. A second chance at love is a risk she can no longer afford.

Until her best friend, Nora, convinces her to go on a blind date with Peter.

Kind, steady, and just the right amount of nerdy, Peter sees the woman beneath the scars and challenges Nessa to believe in a future she thought was impossible. But as her past refuses to stay buried and a new happiness dawns, Nessa is forced to confront the one person who threatens to shatter her fragile new life- herself. Okay… two people- herself and her volatile ex, Matthew.

Can she find the courage to trust Peter and his promises or will the ghosts of her past force her to cling to the life she is desperate to escape?

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2026

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to write a review because I just can't without spoiling the entire thing....

but if you're looking for a book where the main characters are lost and then found, and want to cry with sadness and joy, this is it!

I generally don't read romance, but I simply could not put this one down!

[.✦ ݁˖ Kenzie .✦ ݁˖ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Peter is the sweetest character I've ever met.

Full review to come ✨️

[Lauren Smith Mendenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic representation of being a mom and handling hard situations to make life better for your kids! Also, the MMC IS a cinnamon roll that MAKES cinnamon rolls and I love him 😭

[Sarimarys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this, I expected more of a rom-com because of the author personality. And while there are definitely some funny moments, this story ended up being much deeper and more emotional than I anticipated.

The book touches on heavy themes like abuse, divorce, and trauma, and shows a powerful journey of healing and starting over. Watching the Nessa rebuild her life for herself and her little girl was really beautiful.

And Peter? Literally a cinnamon roll. 🥹 He shows up for her and her daughter every single day with patience, support, and love. It’s the kind of story that reminds you second chances can truly lead to a beautiful HEA.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Team Peter all the way for the WIN! 🥹

I was lucky enough to ARC read Beyond the Setup, the debut novel by Nikki Witt, and I completely fell in love.
After leaving her abusive husband, Matt, Nessa agrees to let her best friend Nora set her up — even though she’s understandably hesitant after everything she’s been through. What follows is a beautiful story about second chances and learning that love can be safe again.

Peter is the ultimate good guy. The way he shows up for Nessa and her daughter, Emma, had my heart melting. Even as Nessa faces hardships and ongoing struggles because of her ex, Peter stands by her through it all. We should all be so lucky to have someone that steady and supportive in our lives.

This book highlights resilience, healing, and growth in such a powerful way. It truly makes you believe in the strength it takes to start over — and in the power of love to rebuild what was broken.
Plus, the adorable Gilmore Girls references were such a fun bonus! 💕
I cannot wait to see what’s next in this series.

[Shana Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will immediately fall in love with these characters, pop culture references, and the easy flow of the book. Love it and can’t wait for book #2!!!

[Yashna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ness and Peter might just be one of my new favorite couples for so many reasons.

This story made me feel everything. It reminded me of those chocolates with the rich, filled center that bursts with flavor when you bite into them. Beyond the Setup is exactly like that. Every chapter is packed with emotions. Hope, fear, healing, laughter, love. I devoured this book in one night and half a day which, as a mama, is basically an Olympic level reading achievement.

Nessa was the kind of FMC I will always root for. Strong, determined, and fiercely protective of her daughter. Once she breaks free from the life that held her captive, every choice she makes is about building something better for herself and Emma. As a parent, I related to her so many times. The routines, the exhaustion, the constant worry, the need for caffeine just to survive the day. Nessa, girl… same.

And then there is Peter.

I cannot stop swooning over this man. He is kind, steady, a little nerdy, and just so genuine. The moment he enters the story, the entire atmosphere shifts. Every scene with Peter, Nessa, and Emma felt warm and comforting. Their dynamic is emotional, heartwarming, sometimes hilarious, and full of moments that made my heart melt. Watching Peter naturally step into Emma’s life and become such a caring presence was beautiful. And his kindness toward Aunt Deedee just made me love him even more.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate Nora? Because without her, this story would not exist. Nora is exactly the kind of best friend everyone needs. Outspoken, supportive, funny, and always ready to push you toward the life you deserve even when you are too scared to take the step yourself.

I also loved Aunt Deedee, Daisy, Rob, and Angie (iykyk 🤪)

Thank you so much Nikki @nikkiwittauthor for letting me read and review Beyond the Setup. I had so much fun discovering all the little easter eggs that screamed Nikki.They felt like tiny winks from the author and I loved catching them.

[Christina Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations to author Niki Witt on the publishing of her first novel, Beyond the Setup. I really enjoyed this book! I was instantly hooked by the characters and she introduced a great new book boyfriend- Peter!! This is a story of Peter- a computer nerd who developed video games for a living and Nessa, a single mother of a toddler, just getting over her marriage to someone who mentally and physically abused her. She is struggling to get over this relationship when her best friend Nora sets her up with Peter. Instantly, they feel a connection, however, having to deal with her ex makes things very sticky. I loved the characters, the writing, and the storyline. I can’t wait for the sequel to this book which should be released later this year!
Thank you to Nikki Witt for an advance copy of this book for review. Really enjoyed it!

[Joetta Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author, Nikki Witt for trusting me with an ARC of this story. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read it early. I loved it!

Nessa, our FMC, has escaped a toxic marriage, and everything she does is to protect her daughter and the fragile peace they’ve built together. Watching her slowly open herself to love again while learning to trust was beautiful.

Then there’s Peter who is kind, steady, and exactly the kind of man Nessa never expected to find. He sees the woman beneath her scars and gently reminds her that she deserves happiness. I absolutely loved his swoon-worthy self!

Beyond the Setup is a heartfelt story about healing, reclaiming your life, and daring to love again. Absolutely recommend!

[Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for giving me access to the ARC of this book. All of my opinions are completely my own. Now let’s get into the book.

Ok, so when I tell you this book surprised me in the best kinda way? I mean it. Beyond the Setup is not just a romance (there is some spice though🔥) But this story goes deeper. It’s about a mother’s love and family — the kind you’re born into and the kind you choose. And can we talk about Peter? Because Peter. 🥹 If you love a cinnamon roll MMC — the soft, emotionally available kind of man who doesn’t need to be toxic to be interesting — Peter is going to own a little piece of your heart. I will say that I appreciate the author’s attention to detail, but sometimes in the middle chapters I felt it slowed down the pace a little bit. But once it picked back up, I was back to devouring it 😁 If you’re looking for a romance with substance that reminds you love isn’t just about sparks but about sacrifice, healing, and growth — Beyond the Setup needs to be on your TBR!

[Bianca Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely a cute short book for when you need a pick me up. There is slight mention of DV but other than that it’s such a cute romance. All the characters are so cute especially the babies. Love the couple together.

[Emily Gawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨💖 BEYOND OBSESSED 💖✨

I don’t even know where to begin with Beyond The Setup by Nikki Witt because WOW… this book absolutely, completely, wholeheartedly stole my heart in a way I never saw coming.

Let me just say this first, this was my FIRST romance novel. Ever. And I truly, honestly never thought I was a romance reader… but OH. MY. GOD. this book completely changed that for me. Like flipped a switch, opened a door, rewired my entire reader brain kind of changed.

From the very first page, I was LOCKED IN. I could not get enough. Every spare second I had, I was diving back into this story, completely consumed. And even now that I’ve finished it? I’m STILL thinking about it. The characters, the moments, the feelings, it’s all just living rent free in my mind.

Nessa and Peter??? Don’t even get me started. The way their story unfolds feels so real, so immersive, so deeply emotional that you don’t just read it, you feel it. I swear I wasn’t just turning pages, I was right there with them, experiencing everything alongside them.

And the writing?? Nikki Witt is INSANELY talented. Like… how is this level of emotional depth even possible?! This book doesn’t just tell a love story, it wraps around you like the coziest, warmest blanket and refuses to let go. It’s comforting, it’s heartfelt, it’s swoony in all the best ways, and it genuinely speaks to your soul. Oh and the Gilmore Girl references, spot on! Every reference added a layer of perfect nostalgic charm & familiarity!☕️

I am honestly in shock at how much I adored this book. Not only did I discover a brand new love for the romance genre, but I also found an author I will now read anything from without hesitation.

AND THE FACT THAT THERE ARE TWO MORE BOOKS COMING OUT THIS YEAR?!?!?!
Excuse me while I scream and cry because I am NOT READY but also I NEED THEM IMMEDIATELY 😭💖

If you’ve ever thought romance “wasn’t for you” like I did… please, PLEASE pick this up. Because if this book taught me anything, it’s that sometimes all it takes is the right story to completely change everything.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and then some because five stars is NOT enough) @nikkiwittauthor you are AMAZING!!!

[Breanna Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Setup by Nikki Witt

What its About: After escaping a toxic marriage, Nessa has finally put the pieces of her life back together with only one goal in mind- protect her daughter, Emma, at all costs. A second chance at love is a risk she can no longer afford.

Until her best friend, Nora, convinces her to go on a blind date with Peter.

Kind, steady, and just the right amount of nerdy, Peter sees the woman beneath the scars and challenges Nessa to believe in a future she thought was impossible. But as her past refuses to stay buried and a new happiness dawns, Nessa is forced to confront the one person who threatens to shatter her fragile new life- herself. Okay… two people- herself and her volatile ex, Matthew.

Can she find the courage to trust Peter and his promises or will the ghosts of her past force her to cling to the life she is desperate to escape?

My Thoughts: 3.5-4/5 stars. Cute, contemporary romance with portrayal of a strong single mom in the face of prior domestic violence. Nessa is the epitome of a fantastic single mom just trying to do what is best for her child and putting her happiness second. I loved watching her in her journey to finding out she can be a good mom but also allow herself to want things. Peter, I honestly can't say enough about him. He is such a sweet man and how immediately loves Emma and is so protective of Nessa melts my heart. That being said he is almost a little too perfect. I wanted a little bit to be wrong and to have some of his flaws shown. I enjoyed the book and the message behind it a lot but I think there could have been a little more depth to the characters. I can't wait to see the rest of the series come out and im really hoping for some love for Andrew!

Spice rating: 🌶. Closed door spice. Here is another spot i wanted more from. If you are a fan of closed door spice with just a hint of what could be going on then this is the book for you!

I want to thank @nikkiwittauthor for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! All of these thoughts and opinions are my own!


#singlemom #domesticviolence #arcreader #nerdymmc

[Nicole O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you… the journey I went through just to read this book. I requested it at my local library because Barnes & Noble was taking too long, and when they finally approved it, I was SCREAMING. Then I waited… and waited… and waited for the pickup email that never came. Checked the website and guess what? Someone else borrowed it first. I was devastated — but also weirdly proud because YES, support this indie author.

Anyway… onto the actual book.

O. M. G. I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Why can’t I find a real‑life Mr. Perfect like Peter? He is everything. Soft, steady, patient, respectful, emotionally mature — the whole package. And Nessa? I adore her. She’s strong, protective, and doing everything she can for her daughter while leaving an abusive marriage. Her resilience made me love her even more.

But honestly? Nora wins MVP.
She’s the genius who set up the blind date between Nessa and Peter — and the fact that their best friends are married to each other and they STILL hadn’t met? Wild. I’m so glad Nora forced fate’s hand.

Watching Peter slowly fall in love not just with Nessa, but with her daughter… my heart melted. The way he steps into their lives with gentleness and intention? Beautiful.

The story is emotional, tender, and full of healing. But heads up — there are trigger warnings for abuse, divorce, and trauma. Still, the journey toward rebuilding, safety, and new beginnings is absolutely worth it.

I closed this book with a full heart.

⭐ Tropes
Single mom romance
Blind date setup
Best friends married to each other
Found family
Healing after trauma
Protective hero
Soft cinnamon‑roll hero
Slow‑burn connection
Safe love after abuse

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok… Where do I start? I have so many thoughts going through my head right now. I pretty much walked into this book blind. I had read the blurb for it but it was so long ago that I had no idea what the story was going to be about. I thought I was going to get a light, cutesie rom-com but no. Don’t get me wrong! There was tons of romance and plenty of comedy but there was so much more depth. The book dealt with some really heavy topics amongst the fun which added so much more character to the story. Peter was such a cinnamon roll!! I fell in love with him instantly. He was adorable, so freaking sweet and when he hurt, I hurt. I also felt for N. Even though I may not have experienced the same exact situations as the book characters, I had a really easy time relating to them. I smiled, I yelled, I almost cried, I laughed, my heart shattered, I gasped. I almost threw my iPad across the room at one point.

Watching N come out of a really bad place but working her way through it and into an amazing place was so satisfying. And while Peter definitely helped, she was adamant that she make things better on her own, for herself and her daughter. She became stronger and more independent. The book held my interest throughout! Once I picked it up I didn’t want to stop reading. I blew through it in two days, staying up until 3am to finish. Witt is a fantastic writer and this is a book I’d recommend to anyone and I will absolutely, without a doubt, be reading more from her. Thanks to the author for allowing me an arc!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Setup by Nikki Witt

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Thank you so much to Nikki Witt for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I’m so lucky to have met Nikki through instagram. She has been a sweet friend and comes out with great content. She has been the mastermind behind many fun collaboration posts with other creators. She loves to bring people together and is such a genuine person. Check out her debut book and it’s on Kindle Unlimited!

The story follows single mom Nessa who is getting out of an abusive relationship. In comes Peter, the literal sweetest man ever, who is instantly drawn to her. The plot revolves around their new relationship but also how Nessa decides to handle things with her ex and doing her best for her daughter.

This story has a HEA, and I truly feel like this is a very healing story. There is spice in the story, but I would still categorize this story a sweet romance with spice instead of it being spicy.

Nessa is so strong, she has been through so much and yet still puts on a happy face for her daughter. Her love for her daughter Emma is beautiful, and I can’t even imagine going through what she has with a little one to put on a brave face for. Unfortunately, I think lots of people will be able to relate to Nessa’s story. I hope they all find someone like Peter to restore their faith in finding someone who loves them unconditionally and is patient and kind. He truly steps up to be an amazing partner to Nessa, but also a father for Emma.

Definitely recommend reading this book and supporting our girl Nikki. Show her some love ❤️

[Annemarie Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Setup by Nikki Witt is a fabulous rom-com with drama and a touch of spice.

Nessa, the FMC, is loveable, witty and sometimes a little sarcastic in the best and most relatable ways. The book contains a good balance of warmth, fun moments with a loving and romantic theme, underscored with the tension and drama of the FMC’s past involving domestic violence.

There is an ex that you’ll love to hate; a custody battle which will touch your hearts; and, shining throughout all this, is the wonderful MMC, Peter. He is a man who’s had time to play the field and is looking for something real. He finds that with Nessa after they (reluctantly meet) on a blind date, organised by well-meaning friends. Having experienced loss early in life, Peter values family. He could seem too good to be true; but his character is explored well in Nikki’s writing, and we are led to believe what made him the wonderful man he is.

On the surface this book could appear as a typically cute romance. I found it to be unique where the storytelling explores emotionally difficult issues. The narrative from both sides felt real and relatable.

The intimacy scenes were surprisingly sweet with gentle language that brings the reader into the room without it being soft porn!

The book includes an adorable daughter; a snarky ex; a best friend; a loveable MMC; a tender and appealing elderly aunt; and cinnamon rolls. It even has the recipe for the rolls at the end of the book!

[Mandy Enchantedbookduo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating
4 💎
0.5 🌶️

Quick Summary
I felt the heartbreak in every page, the pain of sharing your child as a single mum. Peter truly was the knight in shining armor. Nessa was fiercely protective, wanting to do everything herself. A sweet, relatable, and beautiful love story for single mums everywhere that stayed with me after. Also I didn’t expect to have some tears through this book.

While Reading Thoughts
📙The heart ache I could feel through the pages at having to share your child as a single mum
📙Peter was definitely the knight and shining armour.
📙Such a sweet and relatable story for all those single mums out there.
📙Nessa was the mum that wanted to do it all and do everything to keep her girl safe.
📙This was a beautiful love story.

Words that linger
🍷“I come with a toddler, trauma, and a whole lot of baggage.” Oh. My. God. What the fuck is wrong with me?
🍷Our text thread is open on the screen with ‘The One’ at the top.
🍷“I think we are best for Emma. We can figure everything else out as we go. I love this little girl and she loves me. I can’t keep living life without either of you.”

Tropes
🦄Single Mum
🦄DV Rep
🦄Cinnamon roll MMC
🦄Blind Date
🦄Healing & growth

Thank you for the early copy Nikki

[Maria Anagnostopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I closed Beyond the Setup by Nicki Witt with a deep sense of appreciation. The novel thoughtfully explores second chances, love after hardship, motherhood, spousal abuse, selfishness, and the quiet strength found in genuine devotion. The story remains grounded and believable throughout, unfolding with care and emotional honesty.

Peter stands out as a remarkable character and quickly became my favorite. He gives fully to his relationship, steps naturally into a father figure role for a young girl seeking stability, and shows that parenthood is defined by presence, care, and consistency rather than biology. His patience, empathy, and steady support add real depth and credibility to the love story.

The writing feels natural and confident, making the reading experience engaging from start to close. The emotional moments are earned, the relationships feel authentic, and the story offers both comfort and reflection. I walked away grateful for the journey and genuinely eager to see what comes next.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to ARC read this book, and I absolutely loved it! Beyond the Set Up tells a heartfelt second-chance romance centered around Nessa as she rebuilds her life after leaving an abusive marriage with her baby daughter.

The story picks up when Emma is about a year old and Nessa is navigating her new reality....creating a safe, stable life while also dealing with the complications of her ex-husband having weekend custody, largely due to child support obligations. Nikki Whitt does a great job acknowledging a reality that many readers will recognize, making Nessa’s journey feel authentic and relatable.

Things take an unexpected turn when Nessa’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Peter. From there, the story follows their relationship as it grows, bringing plenty of sweet moments along with the ups and downs that come with learning to trust and love again.

If you enjoy emotional romances about resilience, healing, and finding love after hardship, this one is definitely worth checking out! 💕

[lex alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you so much, Nikki, for sending me an ARC of this book to read!

nora sets her best friend nessa up on a blind date with peter and, peter isn’t exactly thrilled about it. nora has set him up before, and the dates have all been disasters, so he’s fully expecting more of the same. but this time he was wrong.

nessa is a single mom navigating a messy separation from her soon to be exhusband, trying to hold everything together for herself and her daughter, emma. what starts as a blind date slowly turns into something much deeper. even with the distance between them, peter and nessa continue talking, building a connection that feels genuine. peter shows up for her through the emotional rollercoaster of divorce proceedings and a custody battle, and their relationship unfolds in such a tender, heartfelt way.

this was such a sweet love story. i truly loved the characters. and emma completely stole my heart. she kept reminding me of my own daughter when she was that little, which made the story even more special for me.

such a cute, feel-good romance.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finally filing for divorce from her abusive (ex)-husband, Nessa finds herself on a blind date (not-date) courtesy of her best friend. But with a court dates looming, and her daughter to think about, dating might not be the best plan.
Peter is used to Nora’s attempts to set him up not panning out and he isn’t expecting this latest woman to be any different. Except Nessa is different. She’s perfect.

This was an absolutely delightful read. I loved each and every character. This story was a fun, fast paced story that I flew through was still addressing the difficult real life struggles of the characters. I appreciated that Peter was one green flag after another, even when things were not going his way. I was routing for these two from the very start and was very happy with where they ended up!

[Micheala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Beyond the Setup 4 stars. This contemporary romance follows a single mother, Nessa, as she rebuilds her life after an abusive marriage and cautiously opens her heart to the possibility of love and a healthier future. The writing was emotionally engaging, the characters felt genuine, and once the story found its footing, the pacing kept me invested. I appreciated the way the author explored family dynamics and healthy relationships while balancing heavier themes like abuse, grief, and trauma recovery. I wished there had been more development for several side storylines, particularly Nora and Rob's relationship and Nessa's family dynamics. I would recommend this book if you enjoy emotional contemporary romances, small-town Missouri settings, single-parent stories, and themes of healing after toxic relationships. This one pulled on my heartstrings.

[Kristi Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Setup introduces Nessa, a mid-twenties single mother, as she puts the pieces of her life back together after fleeing an abusive relationship. During a mandated weekend when her one-year-old daughter is away, Nessa’s best friend, Nora, convinces her to go on a blind date. Cue Peter, an introverted game developer who has never had a deep connection with someone…not until Nessa.

Throughout Beyond the Setup, Witt writes with an ease that is both engaging and heartfelt. I was rooting for Nessa and her daughter from the very first page and swooning over Peter, the epitome of kindness and compassion. I couldn’t put this book down.

Beyond the Setup is a story of resilience, healing, and the power of love.

Beyond the Setup comes out on March 9, 2026—mark your calendars!

[Readwithri.xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 🌶️1

This was a sweet book of a single mum rediscovering love after leaving an abusive relationship. Nessa was a strong single mum, and she did go through a lot and watched her character develop throughout was amazing! Peter was the sweetest and kindest man and absolutely perfect for Nessa, they made the perfect couple. How he literally read books on how to feed and play with Emma was heartfelt and how he brought a car too that fit Emma’s car seat! He did so much for them from the start and naturally became a father figure to Emma.
The story was well written and realistic! The DV was dealt well within this book and with caution.

-single mum
-cinnamon roll MMC
-nerdy hot MMC
-DV rep
-blind date

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable. While it touches on some pretty heavy topics, it handles them in such a tender and thoughtful way that the story still feels warm and hopeful.

Peter was such a lovable MMC. His patience with Nessa was honestly saint-level, and it made watching their relationship grow even sweeter. Nessa’s caution made complete sense considering her past with Matthew. She wasn’t just protecting her own heart, she was protecting Emma too, and that added such an emotional depth to her decisions throughout the story.

The slow burn in this book worked perfectly. The chemistry between Peter and Nessa built so naturally, and every step forward in their relationship felt earned. By the time everything finally came together, it was incredibly satisfying to see their story come full circle.

I loved how well everything was wrapped up in the end, it felt complete, heartfelt, and exactly the ending these characters deserved.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Nikki for allowing me to read her first debut book in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this very blindly and came out crying and in shock. I had a lot of questions, but I’m glad that they were all resolved in the end.

The rawness of these characters were so well written about and I totally felt all of the feelings within the pages. The heartache and dismay and the anger all were felt. I felt so much empathy for Nessa!

Thank you again for allowing me to ARC read your debut book! Looking forward to your future novels!

[Bookbakeneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙥
9 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A beautiful and emotional debut from Nikki Witt that explores trauma, resilience, and healing after an abusive marriage. The custody battle adds a raw layer of realism that makes Nessa’s journey feel authentic and powerful.

I loved that Nessa is studying to become a counselor, turning her pain into purpose. And Peter? The ultimate cinnamon roll hero — gentle, patient, and unwavering in his support.

With strong found-family vibes, this tender romance reminds us that love after heartbreak is possible.

[Beth Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn't expecting this book to be so realistic and heartfelt. So many contemporary romances these days center around wealth but this book had real characters, not caricatures. I enjoyed seeing Nessa tiptoe around a new beginning and how sweet Peter was -- a walking green flag! So if you like, sweet, cozy, comfort reads with realistic characters and meaningful plots, you'd probably like this one!

Congratulations to the author on her debut novel!

[nova_dairies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like sitting in a room with someone who’s finally telling the truth about their life.
Beyond the Setup isn’t just romance, it’s about survival after emotional damage and the messy process of starting over. I really liked how the main character wasn’t “strong” in a perfect way. She’s scared, unsure, and still healing, which made her feel real.
The pacing is a bit slow in places, but it fits the story because healing isn’t fast either.
If you like:
emotional depth
second chance romance
strong but vulnerable female leads
you’ll probably enjoy this.