Spider-Man: Brand New Day is Tom Holland's latest feature film as Spider-Man, and as a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, here is my review. One of my favourite film franchises is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The complexity of the world within these films never fails to amaze me. With a new Spider-Man movie being released, and Avengers: Doomsday coming out later this year, I knew I needed to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day in the cinema. I took my sister to our local Everyman cinema and we both settled on the sofa and watched Tom Holland's fourth feature film as the iconic superhero. We, of course, discussed our thoughts after the film, but I thought I'd share my review with you all. So, if you're unsure about whether to watch the latest Spider-Man, or just want to read reviews of it, here are my thoughts on the movie. *Note: There are spoilers at the very end of this blog, but there is a warning in advance, so you can avoid if you want to Review of Spider-Man: Brand New Day Genre: Superhero Movie Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal, Jacob Batalon, Liza Colón-Zayas, Florence Pugh, Tramell Tillman Where to Watch: Cinemas Rating: 9/10 Synopsis: The IMDB synopsis of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is as follows: "A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change and a powerful new enemy emerges." My Thoughts: Considering all the superheroes, I would not have said that Spider-Man is one of my favourites. However, I absolutely love Tom Holland's portrayal of Spider-Man and really enjoyed Spider-Man: Brand New Day to the point where I'm reconsidering the above statement. Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows directly on from the previous film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. At the end of that movie, Peter Parker is forgotten by everyone, leaving him alone in the world and only known as Spider-Man. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter Parker is not really living, only Spider-Man is. He works with Detective Jean DeWolff of the NYPD to take down bad guys and is protecting New York City. Whilst he's doing so, his love, MJ – portrayed by Zendaya – and his best friend, Ned – portrayed by Jacob Batalon – are carrying on with their lives, having graduated from MIT and living together in the city. Missing his friends, Peter throws himself into being Spider-Man, when changes start to occur, involving his powers. And the time is not ideal because a new threat comes into town. Spider-Man works with the Department of Damage Control, run by Bill Metzger – portrayed by Tramell Tillman – to keep the city safe and stop the new threat. However, there is always more to the story. I absolutely loved the plot. I did not know what to expect when going into this movie. It's been a while since I'd watched an MCU film, but oh my goodness, I loved it. The MCU always has really complex plots with multiverses and time travel and infinity stones, etc., but Spider-Man: Brand New Day was easy to follow despite the complications. The new villain is a great addition and left me with so many questions about the future of the MCU and how Doomsday will bring together different Marvel universes. I thought the villain was portrayed so well – I won't say who the actor is but I really enjoyed watching them bring the character to life. One thing I particularly liked about the plot, and therefore the character relations and the action sequences, was that whilst the stakes were high, they weren't world-ending. There have been too many times, in my opinion, that superhero films always threaten the end of Earth and then the superhero saves the world. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, NYC is threatened, but not the whole world. Peter Parker battles his evolution as Spider-Man and the new threat, but it's a more isolated danger. The action sequences involving fighting or even just Spider-Man swinging around the city were so good. It felt like a good old classic action movie at times, which I loved. Zendaya and Tom Holland do a fantastic job of playing MJ and Peter Parker, and I always admire couples who are together in real life, married even, and then have to play characters who aren't together, one of whom doesn't even remember the other. What I really enjoyed about the movie though is the emotional message that you take home. At the start, Peter Parker, or Spider-Man, is just a superhero. No one knows his real identity; not even The Hulk. He feels alone and doesn't rely on anyone. But by the end, we start to see him leaning on friends, old and new, and become a better version of himself. The takeaway is that you're never really alone and that it's okay to ask for help if needed. I really loved that, and the final scene...OMG!! I'll share my thoughts at the end of the post, with a spoiler warning, so you can avoid them if you'd like. Overall, Spider-Man: Brand New Day felt like the classic Marvel movies. It was such a fun film to watch, and did tie up loose ends, but also left me with so many questions that I'm hoping Doomsday will answer! If you want to watch it, I hope you enjoy it, and if you've already seen it, let me know what you thought in the comments below. Until next time... *SPOILERS WARNING* The final scene with Ned and Peter was so good and so heartwarming. I've heard of cinema showings where the audience all claps, or audibly gasps, and whilst I didn't shed tears, I couldn't stop smiling. I loved how it was Ned who had the realisation as to who Peter was, not MJ, because it felt more powerful that it was Peter's best friend, who's been with him through it all.

Face-to-face interviews can be quite nerve-wracking, but I'm sharing some tips that can help calm you and prepare you. This year, I've submitted god-knows how many job applications. Some, I've heard back about, but others, I have not. The job market is incredibly challenging in today's world. There was even a news article on the BBC about how job opportunities are shrinking for young people. Not only is it hard to succeed when applying for jobs, it is also tough even finding the right jobs to apply for. A lot of jobs I've noticed being advertised as entry-level or 'assistant' roles require at least a year's experience in an office or some sort of admin role. In my opinion, that's not an entry-level position. Then, if you are successful and get taken through to the interview stage, that can be just as nerve-wracking. Especially if it's face-to-face and you don't know what to expect. So, I thought I'd share some tips for face-to-face interviews that I've found have helped me this year. Ask for a drink When in an interview, one can assume that you'll be doing a lot of talking: answering questions, asking questions, and generally chatting to the interviewers. During that time, there is nothing worse than having a really dry throat. An easy fix for that is to ask if you can have a glass of water, or if offered, saying yes. By having a drink in front of you, you can take small sips to keep hydrated, allowing you to speak clearly and to avoid clearing your throat. It can also come in handy if you're unsure about a question and need a little time to think. If that's the case, when asked, take a sip of your drink and think of your response, and then answer the question. I recently had a face-to-face interview that lasted an hour, and without a glass of water, I would have struggled to deliver my responses confidently and clearly. Chat on route This one is key for a face-to-face interview. When employers are looking for new hires, they're not only looking for someone capable of completing the job. They want someone who will gel well with the colleagues already there. And the route to your interview is the perfect opportunity to showcase why you would be the ideal person. When someone collects you to take you to your interview, strike up a conversation. It doesn't have to be in-depth, just something to show that you are confident, can easily chat to people, and are excited about being given the opportunity. If you've done something interesting recently, or been anywhere nice, you can mention that. For example, in my latest face-to-face interview, when asked 'Did you find the place okay?', my response was: 'Yes, thank you. I actually just had lunch with my sister at the nearby café, so it wasn't too far to come.' Use a S.T.A.R If you've done lots of interviews before, or have already researched different ways to prep for them, you've probably come across this acronym. S.T.A.R refers to a method of answering interview questions that allows you to showcase your skills, abilities and positive outcomes. It stands for: S - Situation T - Task A - Action R - Result When answering a question, it's good to outline the situation that you were in; then briefly describe the task which you needed to complete, what your goal was and the challenges of it; the action refers to what YOU did to achieve this; and finally, the result is the positive outcome/impact it had. An example answer that demonstrates strong teamwork could be: Situation: At university, I was part of the Harry Potter society, and we needed to raise funds to organise a trip to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. Task: My job was to work with the other society members to come up with fundraising ideas. Action: I organised a meeting for us all to brainstorm different ideas, and worked with the society president on sharing the responsibilities out to different members. I made sure we all knew what we were responsible for by sharing a list on the society group chat with the fundraising activity, those in charge, and when it would be held. Result: Everyone pulled together and knew what they needed to do, which meant we raised enough funds for everyone to go to the Tour. Practice, Practice, Practice Whilst I class myself as a confident person, I can be quite introverted, so having face-to-face interviews is rather daunting. But I found that practising as much as I can really helps. Before your interview, research some interview questions that could be asked. If it's a competency-based interview, there are lots of lists online of different questions. Draft some answers to these questions and make sure you know what you said in your cover letter and what was said on the job advert. Once you have all that information, do a mock interview. Get someone to ask you the questions, and practice answering using the S.T.A.R method. Or if you don't have anyone to practice with you, use a mirror or Zoom/Teams/Google Meet to practice on your own. This helps you remember your answers and feel more confident about clearly and concisely responding to the questions. Be passionate Skills are one of the most important things interviewers look for. Can the applicants demonstrate the skills required in the job advert? However, one of the other important factors they need to consider is your passion. There is nothing worse than applying for a role and being asked to an interview if you're not passionate about the job or the company. And employers can see if you're passionate. When in an interview, make sure you portray your passion and enthusiasm to the interviewers because it will only work in your favour. Explain your motivations for applying, not only to the role, but the company. If there's a particular aspect of the company that you like or interests you, mention it; for instance, if you're applying to a publisher, mention a book they recently published or a campaign you particularly enjoyed. Showing you're passionate about the job is key and will only be beneficial for you. So, if you have any face-to-face interviews coming up, I hope these tips can help prepare you for it and help calm your nerves. They're not easy, but everyone has to go through at least one interview in their life, so you're not alone. If you have any other tips, feel free to share them in the comments below. Otherwise, good luck! Until next time...

Here's a guide to the Wells Ranch series by Bailey Hannah, a five-book western romance series that champions found family, true love and the small-town lifestyle. One of my favourite authors is Bailey Hannah. I have read every single one of her books and have recently joined her content team. Her cowboy romance series, Wells Ranch, came to an end this month with the fifth and final book being published. Having read the whole series, as well as Bailey's Christmas novella, I thought I'd do a guide to Wells Ranch for you readers. So, let's get into it. Wells Ranch series by Bailey Hannah Overview of the series Genre: Western Romance Total Number of Books: 5 Wells Ranch is a family-run ranch in the Canadian town of Wells Canyon, run by the three Wells brothers. The series follows the three Wells brothers – Austin, Denny and Jackson – as well as their best friends and ranch hands, Chase (nicknamed Red) and Colt. The five books follow each of their stories, exploring the found family at Wells Ranch and the women who come into their lives and change things for the better. They are interconnected standalones, which means you can read them as individual novels; however, for the best experience, I would read them in order because the found family, friendships and love in these books only get better as each book develops. The Books Alive and Wells Seeing Red Change of Hart At Whit's End Love Wells Kept The Main Characters As mentioned above, the Wells Ranch series focuses on the Wells brothers and two of their best friends. The five men are each a protagonist of their own book, plus the women who become their significant others. All five books are told using both the male and female protagonists' points of view, which gives us insight into both sides of the relationship and the different aspects of the ranch, too. The main characters of the series are: Alive and Wells – Austin and Cecily Seeing Red – Red and Cassidy Change of Hart – Denny and Blair At Whit's End – Colt and Whit Love Wells Kept – Jackson and Kate Credit: WriteWatchWork What are the books about? Alive and Wells: Austin and Cecily Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine Forced Proximity City girl x Country Boy FMC in hiding Workplace romance Synopsis: "The last place city girl Cecily Kennedy expected to end up was a cattle ranch. But she needs a job-and refuge from her abusive soon-to-be ex-husband. If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasn't in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isn't worth the potential fallout. Austin's a gruff, no-nonsense rancher who's seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he's concerned, Cecily won't be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than she's worth. When Cecily's past catches up with her, Austin discovers that she's already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. But first he needs to keep her safe . . ." My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this story and, as an aspiring author, I’m envious of Bailey’s writing and ability to convey emotions on the page. Alive and Wells drags you into the Wells Ranch family, and honestly, it's one of my favourite series. Seeing Red: Chase (Red) and Cassidy Tropes: Accidental Pregnancy Friends with Benefits He falls first Chronic Illness Rep Midsize FMC Synopsis: "Cassidy Bowman has strict rules to uphold her good-girl reputation: she doesn't date the Wells Ranch locals, and she definitely doesn't sleep with men she isn't dating. But after a run-in with her ex-boyfriend-and a few too many drinks-she's ready to buck those rules and allow herself one night of recklessness. On the other hand, local cowboy Chase "Red" Thompson has never met a rule he didn't love breaking. With a long-time crush on Cassidy, he's more than willing to accept her offer of a one-night stand and her one condition: he must agree to never speak of it again. That is until two pink lines render Cassidy's entire rule book null and void. Cassidy isn't looking for a relationship with the rough-and-tumble cowboy, and Red doesn't need anyone to tell him he's not good enough for the sweetheart of Wells Canyon. So the two make another agreement-they'll be friends and co-parents, nothing more. But as their carefully designed boundaries begin to blur, Cassidy might just realise that perhaps some rules are worth breaking . . ." My Thoughts: Seeing Red isn't necessarily my favourite in the series, but it is such a fun read. What I remember the most about reading this book is the feeling it gave me, and how I just enjoyed it and had a smile on my face. Change of Hart: Denny and Blair Tropes: Second chance Dual timeline Childhood sweethearts Forced Proximity Angst Synopsis: "Five seconds of honesty: Wells Canyon is the last place Blair Hart wants to be. But her mother's illness leaves her no choice except to return to the hometown-and the traumatic past-she's spent thirteen years hiding from. A run-in with the boy who tore her life to pieces is inevitable in a town like Wells Canyon, but that doesn't mean she's prepared for the way Denver Wells can turn back time with a single smile. Thirteen years ago, Denver's world crashed around him. Since then, he's done everything he can to outrun his demons, until a flash of brown hair knocks him from his saddle. But if he wants her back, he'll need to prove he can be the man Blair needs-the same one she used to love. With a thousand sticky-note-worth of responsibilities, Blair doesn't have the time to sift through their messy history and resolve things with the man who's determined to be in her life. And Denver's going to need more than cowboy charm and five seconds of honesty to convince Blair he's worth a change of heart." My Thoughts: As soon as Change of Hart came out last year, I read it. It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and it did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, which isn't a common occurrence when I read, and I fell in love with the emotional story of Blair and Denny. Credit: WriteWatchWork At Whit's End: Colt and Whit Tropes: Single parent Alpha male Found family Opposites attract Friends-to-lovers Synopsis: "Single mom Whitney Hart is, quite simply, overwhelmed. She's struggling to raise her ten-year-old son, Jonas. Her ex-boyfriend only seems to come around and help take care of his son when he's single and hoping to get back together. With Jonas acting out more than ever, Whitney enlists the help of her sister Blair to keep an eye on Jonas over summer vacation. Enter Colt, a fun-loving Wells Ranch cowboy who is tasked with giving Jonas work to do around Wells Ranch to keep him busy. In Colt, Jonas finds a mentor and male role model for the first time in his life. And in Jonas, Colt discovers a friendship that brings a new kind of joy into his life. Colt and Whit slowly develop a friendship of their own through a shared concern for Jonas, and over the course of the summer, it begins to spark into something more. The attraction and chemistry between them are hard to ignore, but Whit's insecurities and hesitancy to trust men cause her to pull away. As miscommunications give way to understanding, the two will discover that sometimes you have to first be broken before you can become whole, and that there's no one way to create a family..." My Thoughts: One of my favourite reads of 2026 so far. I devoured this book and couldn’t believe just how good Colt and Whit were together. Their story is so funny, so romantic, and so sweet! Love Wells Kept: Jackson and Kate Tropes: Marriage in crisis Second chance He has amnesia Slow burn "My wife" Synopsis: "He's forgotten their love story. She'll help him write a new one. Jackson and Kate have been happily married for over ten years and live a beautifully chaotic life raising two young children on Wells Ranch. But when Jackson sustains a severe head injury that sends him into a coma, years of his memory are gone by the time he wakes. Doctors are confident it will return with time, but Jackson feels like a stranger in his own life. How can he have a wife and children but not know them? Kate tries to remain strong for her family, but she secretly mourns the loss of the man she knew and fears he may never return. She leans on her Wells Ranch family, who she needs now more than ever. It's scary and difficult, but she won't give up on Jackson and their love, no matter how long it takes. Despite early struggles, Kate and Jackson share tender moments that stir something in Jackson, even though he doesn't fully understand it. As more time passes, bits and pieces of Jackson's memories return, and he starts slowly rediscovering his instincts as a husband and dad. And though Jackson and Kate's love story may need a rewrite, they'll come to discover this new chapter might just be stronger than all the ones that came before." My Thoughts: This book is an incredible story full of heartbreak, family, and true love. I knew going into this one that I would feel all the emotions, but I surprised myself with how engrossed I became in Kate and Jackson's story. It's a great end to the series, and an amazing story. Where to read the Wells Ranch series? All five books are available to buy from Amazon here, and also in stores, like The Works. As Love Wells Kept came out earlier this month, the whole series is now complete. I've shared reviews of all the books on my social media, so if you're interested in them, then check them out. The Wells Ranch series is one of my favourites, and I will always recommend it. If you read it, let me know in the comments. Until next time...

Voicemails for Isabelle is a romantic comedy drama on Netflix, starring Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson. Over the weekend, I decided to sit down and have some me-time to relax. This consisted of reading my book – Love Wells Kept for those wondering – and watching a movie. There are quite a few films that have come out recently that I want to watch, including Enola Holmes 3 and Project Hail Mary. However, the movie I chose was one I've seen recommended on social media for its emotional storylines and rom-com aspects. Lots of viewers shared how much they cried whilst watching, but also just how heartwarming a story it was, so I thought I'd give it a watch. And the movie is Voicemails for Isabelle. I loved it so much that I thought I'd share a mini review for those of you who love a good movie night. Review of Voicemails for Isabelle Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama Stars: Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, Harry Shum Jr., Leah McKendrick, Ciara Bravo Where to Watch: Netflix My Rating: 9/10 Synopsis The synopsis for Voicemails for Isabelle is as follows: Jill leaves voice messages to her deceased sister telling her about her chaotic life in San Francisco. Unwittingly, a mysterious Austin, TX real estate agent, Wes, begins to receive Jill's voicemails, and whilst listening to them, he falls in love. My Thoughts I want to start this review by talking about the start of the film. I knew going into this that it would be sad. How can it not when the entire premise is based upon the fact that Jill has lost her younger sister, Isabelle, to cancer? However, despite knowing that it would likely be a very emotional movie, I did not anticipate how emotional I would find it. The relationship between the sisters is what really tugged at my heartstrings. If you do have siblings, you can probably find it easier to relate to the protagonists because it would be quite easy to put yourself in Jill's shoes. And that is why I sobbed so much that I had to pause the TV because I couldn't see through my tears. That being said, whilst I did cry for a lot of the movie, I also laughed out loud and giggled. The movie begins showing the sisters at a young age and highlighting how devoted they are to one another. These scenes were so heartwarming and fun to watch. As it progresses, the movie obviously takes a sad and emotional turn before turning to happier notes, which involve Jill's relationship with Wes. After her sister dies, Jill leaves chaotic voicemails as a way of coping and getting through life, not knowing that her sister's phone number has been reassigned to Wes, who has, in fact, received all the voicemails. When they meet, it turns straight into a classic rom-com. Even Wes's best friends -- played by Harry Shum Jr., and the writer of the movie, Leah McKendrick -- respond to him saying 'Tom Hanks is America's sweetheart' with 'You are not Tom Hanks, ' once they find out about the voicemails. But Voicemails for Isabelle does have that nostalgic romcom feel about it. There are love confessions, solidarity in friendships, running through the rain, and dancing on top of a hill in public in broad daylight. Yes, if we're looking at it pragmatically and with a safety hat on, Wes listening to Jill's voicemails without her knowing is not necessarily the best or safest course of action. However, this movie spins it around and turns it into life's plan for Wes and Jill. They are almost fated to meet through Isabelle, and I loved watching them progress from friends, who have both sworn off the opposite sex after lots of failed dates, to slowly falling in love and realising just how much they like spending time with the other person. There is, of course, a third-act break-up, which I know a lot of readers, in particular, aren't necessarily fond of, but for me, this conflict gives Jill the push to properly move on in life. I loved her telling Wes that she does not need a man, and goes to prove that statement true. And in Wes's love confession, I love how he acknowledges that fact but says that he needs her. Voicemails for Isabelle is one of the best films I've watched this year. It is full of humour, sisterhood, love, and more. It reflects the devotion siblings can have to one another, and that is what really pulled me in. Zoey Deutch is an incredible actress and her portrayal of Jill's character was amazing. Her emotions were so raw and I loved watching her bring this movie to life alongside Nick Robinson, who I think is a great romcom actor. So, if you're looking for a new film to watch, definitely check out Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix. Whether you want to cry, laugh, fall in love, etc., give it a watch and let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time...

With the UK temperature only rising this week, here are some tips on how to work productively in the summer heatwave. Summer has officially begun, and with it, the UK is suffering from some very high temperatures. We had the hottest day on record in June, and whilst the weather has cooled down slightly, it is still incredibly hot. As someone who enjoys summer, but definitely prefers autumn, I thought I'd share some advice on working productively in the summer heatwave. But just to clarify, I'm no expert on this matter; these are simply some things I'm doing to help me keep cool this summer and ensure I can still get work done. So, if you're struggling in the summer heatwave, check out my tips below. Advice on working productively in the summer heatwave Drink, Drink, Drink When it is incredibly hot, our bodies sweat more and we can become more easily dehydrated. Therefore, it is imperative that we drink lots of water. It can be hard, especially if you're someone who prefers cold water and your taps have been heated by the sun. However, we must try to keep hydrated; otherwise, our bodies and our brains will suffer from it. Make sure you're refilling your glass or bottle regularly. If you've got ice cubes in the freezer, keep adding them to drinks, and if you want really cold water, you can always freeze half a bottle of water before filling the rest of it up from the tap. Try not to drink too much alcohol or caffeine as they can dehydrate you quicker. Keep Your Toes Cool It is scientifically proven that if you can keep your extremities cool, it'll help cool the rest of your body down. This is quite easy to do for some if you're sitting at your desk for work. If you can find a large enough bowl or tub, it'll work well. Essentially, fill it up with water, place it under your desk, and submerge your feet whilst working. I did this the other day and it helped wonders; I didn't get too hot, which meant I could keep working and tick things off my to-do list. Utilise the Freezer In the summer heatwave, having a freezer is a must-have. Not only can it store ice cubes or ice cream for when you want a break from work and a treat, but you can also freeze some ice packs. Normally, ice packs are used to keep food and drink cool; however, they work wonders in a heatwave. I've been having an ice pack, wrapping it in a tea towel, and using it like a cold compress for when I'm really hot. It helps to have it nearby when I'm working so when I do get too hot, I can press it to my skin, and start to cool down. Goodbye Outside World In a heatwave, the sun's rays can easily heat the inside of houses, especially when windows or curtains are open. So, whilst it might be hard to work in a darker room, try to shut out the outside world as much as you can. This is especially important when the sun is shining in a certain room in your house. For me, I wake up to the sun shining on my bedroom, which is also where my desk is. So, it's easier to have the blinds shut in the morning and open them during the afternoon, when it's not so hot outside my window. Raise Your Laptop This piece of advice is only relevant to those who work with a laptop. I've found that during this heatwave, my laptop has been working overtime and as a result, the fan has been going crazy and the keys have been getting hot. So, to avoid burning my fingertips, I've been raising my laptop in the four corners to give it some breathing space. I've also decided to put an ice pack -- in a tea towel -- underneath when I'm not using it. Not only is this helpful to stop the laptop overheating, but it will also help reduce the amount of heat the laptop is giving off. All of these tips will hopefully help cool you down whilst working so that you can work productively. It's important to take breaks and ensure you're feeling good in this heat. So, I hope these help, and if you've got any other tips and tricks for keeping cool whilst working in the summer heat, feel free to leave a comment. Until next time...

The second quarter of 2026 is complete, so here is my reading review of Q2, which saw me read 24 books. I'm back with another reading review for 2026, this time all about the books I read during the second quarter of the year. Q2 was a busy quarter of the year for me with a summer holiday, a university research project to complete, and general life stuff going on. However, during Q2, I managed to read enough books that have left me with only 16 books to read until I reach my goal of 65. I do still have quite a few books on specific TBR lists to get through, but I have made some progress. So, let's get into my reading review of Q2 2026. WriteWatchWork's Reading Review Total Number of Books Per Month As mentioned above, I now only have 16 books left to read until I reach my Goodreads goal for the year. I made some good progress, reading 24 in total across Q2. In April, I read 8 books; in May, I also read 8 books; and in June, I read 8 books. Most-Read Genre I read quite a few different genres throughout Q2. Some of these were dark academia, young adult books, and fantasy novels. However, my most-read genre, with nine books, is romance. Most-Read Author Whilst I have my favourite authors, I always enjoy discovering new writers and their work. So, much like Q1, I read a mix of authors I'm familiar with and authors whom I had yet to discover. The different authors I read in Q2 of 2026 were: Alex Michaelides Allie Oleander Ana Huang Anna B. Doe Autumn Woods Caitlin Breeze Carley Fortune Catherine Cowles Dolly Alderton Donna Tartt Emily Henry Faridah Abíké-Íyímídé Gabriel García Márquez Holly Jackson Imani Erriu Lauryn Hamilton Murray J.K. Rowling Kristin Hannah Liz Tomforde R.F. Kuang Tahereh Mafi Faridah Abíké-Íyímídé and Liz Tomforde were my most-read authors as I read two of their books. From the above list, the authors that were new to me were Alex Michaelides, Caitlin Breeze, Dolly Alderton, Donna Tartt, Gabriel García Márquez, Imani Erriu, and Lauryn Hamilton Murray. Favourite Books I read a lot of good books during Q2 of this year. In total, I rated seven books five stars because I loved them so much. For that reason, it was challenging to pick my top three books of the quarter. However, I have made my decision, so here are my top three books of Q2. The first book I'm choosing has to be Release Me by Tahereh Mafi. If you've read previous blog posts or follow me on social media, you'll know that I absolutely love the Shatter Me series. It's my favourite series, and Release Me is book two in the spin-off. I pre-ordered the hardback and read it as soon as it arrived and it exceeded all my expectations. Up next, we have Into the Fading Twilight by Catherine Cowles. This is book two in the Starlight Grove series, and is, perhaps, my favourite Catherine Cowles book. It is a romantic suspense novel that will get you feeling all the emotions – I almost cried after chapter one – and will leave you shocked after the final twists. My third favourite book of Q2 2026 has to be This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune. This novel is one of Carley's earlier books; I've had it on my Kindle ever since I read Every Summer After and One Golden Summer by Carley last year, and knew I wanted to read it this summer. I'm so glad I did because I read this book in two sittings and flew through it. It is such a fun summer read that is feel-good and made me want to travel to Prince Edward Island. Those are my top three, but because I loved so many of the books I read in Q2, I'm going to list some honourable mentions, including: Daybreak by Autumn Woods, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Good Girl Bad Blood by Holly Jackson and Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu. Favourite Authors I always struggle picking a favourite author because there are just so many that I love. Last month, I picked M.L. Rio, Catherine Cowles, and Kandi Steiner. With that in mind, I'm going to pick a top three for Q2 of 2026, not including Catherine Cowles (even though I rated her book five stars!). My first favourite author of Q2 2026 has to be Emily Henry. I read her latest novel, Great Big Beautiful Life, whilst on holiday in Spain, and I loved it. It was a five-star read for me, and I just fell in love with EmHen's writing all over again. The next author I'm choosing is Liz Tomforde. I actually went to an event where Liz Tomforde was one of three authors talking about their books, so I made sure to finish the Windy City series and read the spin-off before attending. I loved both books, and they reminded me how fun it is to read a Liz Tomforde novel. My third and final choice is Imani Erriu. I haven't read much fantasy, but once I'd read Heavenly Bodies, I knew I was hooked on the genre. Imani's writing was effortless, and I loved the world and characters she created. I can't wait to read book two. Best Book Surprise The best book surprise of Q2 is a novel I knew I would enjoy because I love the author, but one I didn't anticipate enjoying that much. The book I'm talking about is Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Having read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, I knew I loved her writing style and the way she crafts a story. So, going into Winter Garden, I had high hopes. But I did not expect to become so engrossed in the story that I cried multiple times. Credit: WriteWatchWork It's not necessarily an easy read, but it is one that will grab you from the start and make you feel a whole tornado of emotions. Least Favourite Book Out of all the books I read in Q2, there were two I rated below four stars. These two books are therefore my least favourite books of the quarter, and they are: Until August by Gabriel García Márquez The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze The reason I've chosen Until August is that whilst I enjoyed reading the English translation, it took me a while to get into the short story and find myself enjoying it. I wasn't a huge fan of the protagonist, and to be honest, it wasn't until about 20 pages in that I realised what the story was about. With The Fox Hunt, I chose this because, again, whilst I enjoyed reading it and thought the dark academia atmosphere of the novel was very strong, there were times when I did get a little confused. But that being said, I am glad that I read it. 26 Books for 2026 For this year, I've made a list of 26 books that I would like to read during 2026. In Q1 of this year, I read six books from this list. And in Q2, I managed to read five. The five books off the list below that I read in the past three months are: Babel, The Secret History, Heavenly Bodies, Everything I Know About Love and Rewind It Back. 12 Recs from 12 Friends I've also set myself a challenge of reading 12 books that have been recommended to me by 12 friends. In Q1, I read three of the books recommended to me, but in Q2, I've only read two of them. The first one is Heavenly Bodies; I read it in April and was hooked from the start. It got me back into reading fantasy, and I'm excited to get book two in paperback to carry on the series. The second book from these recommendations that I've read is another fantasy, and that is Heir of Storms. I wasn't sure about this book going into it, because I didn't really know much about it; however, once I was a couple of chapters in, I didn't want to put it down. I've still got seven books to read from my 12 recommendations before the end of the year, and I'm hoping to get a fair few read in Q3. I hope you enjoyed my reading review of Q2 2026, and that the books mentioned above inspire you to pick them up and give them a go. I'll be back at the end of Q3 with another reading review, and plenty more blog posts before then, so don't forget to subscribe to keep up to date with WriteWatchWork. Until next time...

If you're looking for some new comfort TV show recommendations, here are a few TV shows that I will always return to. A recent post I shared on BookTok was 'Meet Me In Five'; the premise of the post was to share your top five books, movies, artists, TV shows and hobbies. As someone who reads a lot, listens to a lot of music, and watches a lot of TV and lots of films, I found it quite challenging to just pick five. However, it got me thinking about what I would choose and what my favourites are for the different categories. I also thought about what I would class as a comfort read and a comfort show, so I thought I'd share what TV shows I would recommend as comfort shows, especially as the UK weather is too hot at the moment to do anything but sit in front of the TV. So here are my TV show recommendations for ones I feel are like a warm hug. My top comfort TV shows Charmed Genre: Supernatural Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "Three sisters discover that they are descendants of a line of good female witches and are destined to fight against the forces of evil." My Thoughts: Charmed is my all-time favourite TV show, spanning eight seasons. I can't tell you how many times I've rewatched the entire show, not just the odd episode. It's funny, it's action-packed, it's emotional...it's everything. Teen Wolf Genre: Supernatural Teen Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "An average high school student and his best friend get caught up in some trouble, causing him to receive a werewolf bite. As a result, they find themselves in the middle of all sorts of dramas in Beacon Hills." My Thoughts: Teen Wolf is another show I've rewatched multiple times. I honestly love Teen Wolf for its ability to blend humour and sarcasm with life-or-death situations. It's a fun show to watch and some great characters too. Off Campus Genre: College Romance Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "A college-set romantic drama chronicling the unexpected love story between a music student and the university's star hockey player, exploring themes of love and the complexities of adulthood through deep friendships and enduring bonds." My Thoughts: If you've read my recent blog posts, you'll know that the TV adaptation of Off Campus, based on the books by Elle Kennedy, was one of my favourite book-to-screen adaptations. I've already started my rewatch of the show, and because I loved the books so much, this is now a comfort show for me. Bridgerton Genre: Regency Romance Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society." My Thoughts: There is just something about watching the Bridgerton siblings in Mayfair on the marriage mart that acts like a warm hug. I love Bridgerton and find it such an easy show to just sit and enjoy. Virgin River Genre: Small Town Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "Seeking a fresh start, nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe moves from Los Angeles to a remote Northern California town and is surprised by what and whom she finds there." My Thoughts: Virgin River is another of my comfort shows. I was surprised by how easily I became attached to the characters, but also, with how quickly I flew through the episodes. Plus, the scenery in the show is stunning. Grey's Anatomy Genre: Medical Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "A drama centred on the personal and professional lives of five surgical interns and their supervisors." My Thoughts: I haven't rewatched Grey's Anatomy yet as it's still ongoing and there are 22 seasons; however, I have rewatched the odd episode, and whenever I watch this medical drama, I just love it every time. You get to know the characters and become engrossed in their lives and the hospital's activities too. The Rookie Genre: Police drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "Starting over isn't easy, especially for John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of joining the LAPD. As their oldest rookie, he's met with scepticism from those who see him as just a walking midlife crisis." My Thoughts: I personally love a crime drama, and my favourite one is The Rookie. I first watched this because of Nathan Fillion, but have since come to love the show. It's such an enjoyable series to watch with its action, humour, complex cases and more. Plus, I love how they film some of the episodes through the body cams. Hart of Dixie Genre: Small Town Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "New Yorker and new doctor Zoe Hart accepts an offer from a stranger, Dr Harley Wilkes, to work in his medical practice in Bluebell, Alabama. She arrives to find that he has died and left half the practice to her in his will." My Thoughts: Hart of Dixie was probably one of the first small-town romance shows I watched. It only lasts four seasons, which makes it easy to rewatch it. There was just something about the small-town drama of Bluebell, Alabama, that had me hooked, and I love it. One Tree Hill Genre: Coming-of-Age Romantic Drama Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "Half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott trade between kinship and rivalry both on the basketball court and in the hearts of their friends in the small, but not so quiet town of Tree Hill, North Carolina." My Thoughts: One Tree Hill is a classic TV show. I was only two years old when it first aired, but I discovered it in my teens, and it is one of the few TV shows I actually own on DVD. I really enjoyed getting to know a group of high school students and following them through life's trials and tribulations -- even if some are extraordinary circumstances. Friends Genre: Sitcom Credit: IMDB Synopsis: "The personal and professional lives of six friends living in the Manhattan borough of New York City." My Thoughts: I find Friends such a fun TV show to watch because the episodes are short, but they're all full of friendship, humour and love. I love rewatching the odd episode of the American sitcom, and I think, given the general global consensus, it's a timeless TV show. These 10 TV shows are all comfort TV shows for me; I could watch any of them and be content. It is unlikely that I would get bored watching them, and I love having shows like that: that I can revisit and just enjoy. If you're looking for new TV show recommendations, check out some of the above. Or if you have comfort show recommendations of your own, feel free to leave a comment. Until next time...

The first official day of summer is this weekend, so here are some book recommendations for you to read this summer. When it comes to reading, I enjoy quite a variety of books in terms of genre. I don't just read romance or fantasy; I love a good thriller, dystopian novel or even a work of historical fiction. This year already, I've read 44 books and have a lot more still on my TBR to get through. But as the first official day of summer -- June 21st -- is this weekend, I thought I'd do a blog post recommending some books. So, if you're looking for a new book to read this summer, then I've got some great book recommendations for you, whether you're a fan of non-fiction, thrillers, or romcoms. 10 Book recommendations to read this summer Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Genre: Contemporary Romance Great Big Beautiful Life is a dual-timeline romance novel that toes the line with historical fiction. It follows Alice, an eternal optimist, who has been invited to Little Crescent Island to write Margaret Ives's biography; the only catch: the grumpy Pulitzer-winning rival, Hayden. Margaret gives Alice and Hayden a one-month trial period to prove why they're worthy journalists, during which she shares snippets of her life story. Alice and Haydn can't confer and as they try and piece together Margaret's history, their attraction towards one another only grows. My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this novel when I read it on holiday earlier this year. It made me laugh, smile and almost cry in the middle of a Spanish café. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Genre: Summer Romance Every Summer After is another dual-timeline romance novel that tells the story of Percy and Sam. The book flits between the present day, when Percy and Sam are reunited after 10 years apart, and their summers together growing up at Barry's Bay. My Thoughts: Again, this was another novel I really enjoyed. I read it last summer and rated it five stars, but I think it's the perfect summer read, especially this year, because the Amazon Prime adaptation -- Every Year After -- that is based on this book was just released. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton Genre: Memoir Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton is a memoir of Dolly's life during her 20s, exploring life, love and friendship. It's often revered as a book that everyone, especially girls, should read during their 20s, particularly if they're feeling lost or as if they don't have everything sorted out. It is an honest recount of Dolly's 20s and is relatable, funny and heart-warming. My Thoughts: Everything I Know About Love is actually my current read, and so far, I'm loving it. It's been on my bookcase for a while, and this summer is the one I've finally decided to pick it up. Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles Genre: Romantic Suspense Across the Vanishing Sky is the perfect book for those who enjoy a little romance as well as thrillers. This novel is the start of a new series by Catherine Cowles, and it is a romantic suspense, following Braedyn as she moves to Starlight Grove with her son in the hope of finally finding answers around her best friend's disappearance one year ago. It explores themes of friendship, love and family, and has a sense of Criminal Minds about it. My Thoughts: Catherine Cowles is one of my favourite authors and she always delivers. Across the Vanishing Sky was such a fun read and the suspense aspect of the story had me hooked and playing detective. The Heirs by Faridah Abike-Iyimide Genre: YA Thriller The Heirs is the upcoming book by YA author Faridah Abike-Iyimide, releasing on July 2nd in the UK. It follows five siblings, all known publicly as the heirs of Leontes Button. Growing up in the limelight, they are all prodigies of some sort known as: The Artist, The Brain, The Olympian, The Maestro, and The Failure. When their father is found dead, it is down to the siblings and some unlikely allies to uncover the truth, especially when conflicts arise regarding their father's will. My Thoughts: I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Heirs from Usborne, and I loved it. It gave me Umbrella Academy and Knives Out vibes, and I honestly didn't want to put it down. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Genre: Contemporary Fiction This next recommendation, The Correspondent, is perhaps slightly different in that it is an epistolary novel, told through correspondence from Sybil Van Antwerp, a 72-year-old woman, to the outside world. It was just named the winner of the 2026 Women's Prize in the fiction category. My Thoughts: I have actually not yet read this one; however, it intrigues me, one because of the structure of the novel, but two because it is an award-winning book that has been praised for its humour, honesty, and emotional resonance. The Wedding People by Alison Espach Genre: Contemporary Fiction The Wedding People is a novel I've seen recommended a lot in the past year. It follows an English professor who is depressed and travels to a luxury hotel to commit suicide. However, whilst there, she doesn't expect to be the only guest not attending the wedding at the hotel. When the bride-to-be meets the young professor, she will stop at nothing to ensure her wedding is perfect, even if that means forming a beautiful friendship. My Thoughts: Again, this is another book that's been on my shelf for some time. I have high hopes for this one because I've heard nothing but good things, and can't wait to delve into a story about friendship, hope and surprises. A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson Genre: Romance A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove is the latest instalment in Debbie Johnson's Starshine Cove series that came out earlier this month. It follows Suzie, as she returns to her hometown in Dorset, after years of living elsewhere, always being classed as the wild one. There's her dad, her sister-in-law and, of course, Guy, a brooding stranger who has secrets of his own. My Thoughts: This series is one of my favourite feel-good romance series, and whilst I haven't read this book yet, I know I will enjoy it because I loved all the others. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston Genre: Magical Realism The Seven Year Slip is a magical realism romance set in New York, and it involves Clementine visiting her aunt's apartment only to find a man living there, but seven years in the past. It explores the hardship of opening yourself up to love and believing in the impossible. My Thoughts: I put this book off for a while, but when I read it, I wished I had read it sooner. It was such a joyful story that I really enjoyed reading and would recommend for those who love a wholesome, heart-warming novel. Eddie Flynn Series by Steve Cavanagh Genre: Thrillers Steve Cavanagh is one of my favourite thriller writers. The Eddie Flynn series, in particular, is a 10-book series, with the latest book being published on July 30th. It follows lawyer, Eddie Flynn, as he deals with complicated cases whilst juggling drama of his own. The books in the series are: The Defence, The Plea, The Liar, Thirteen, Fifty-Fifty, The Devil's Advocate, The Accomplice, Witness 8, Two Kinds of Stranger, and One Of Us Is Guilty. My Thoughts: I have read a few of the books in this series, and managed to persuade my dad to read them too, and they always amaze me. They are so well written and the plot twists always have me gasping. If you do decide to read any of these summer book recommendations, I hope you enjoy them. I will certainly try and read those that I haven't yet read, and will continue to recommend the ones I loved, so if you've read them or got recommendations of your own, feel free to leave a comment. Until next time...

Here is part two of my trip to Granada, Spain, with a guide to my visit of La Alhambra, the palace and fortress within the city. Welcome back to part two of my Granada guide, following my recent holiday in the city. As mentioned in part one of my trip to Granada, I promised a full blog dedicated to my visit to La Alhambra, the World Heritage site within the city. During my week in Granada, I spent a full day at La Alhambra, enjoying all the different locations within the grounds. I am so grateful for getting to visit La Alhambra, so I thought I would do a full blog post solely around the iconic landmark for you all. So, if you're interested in La Alhambra, or simply want to know more about my trip to Granada, then continue reading for a guide to La Alhambra. La Alhambra La Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It began as a fortress, designed as a military zone, before becoming the royal residence and court of Granada. There are a few different areas of La Alhambra that you can visit, including the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, the Palace of Carlos V, and the Generalife. I'll talk through each of them as my sister and I were able to visit all of them during our trip to La Alhambra. We began our visit to the La Alhambra at the Nasrid Palaces, before moving on to the Alcazaba, the Palace of Carlos V and then finally the Generalife. So, let's start with the Nasrid Palaces. Nasrid Palaces When booking your tickets to La Alhambra, there are different ticket types you can purchase. This is because if you want to visit the Nasrid Palaces, then you have to book a specific time slot. My sister and I booked the 11:30 time slot, which worked quite well as it gave us ample time to reach La Alhambra, and then to explore the rest of the grounds in the afternoon. The Nasrid Palaces are an iconic area of La Alhambra. When walking around the palaces, you can't help but fall in love with the beautiful and intricate architecture of the royal palaces. It was fascinating seeing the design of the buildings and the beautiful scenery surrounding them. Within the palaces, there is a beautiful body of water that is vibrant green, lined with bushes on either side. There is also the Patio de los Leones with a gorgeous fountain designed as lion heads. As you walk through the palaces, there are also great spots for views over the city of Granada, specifically the Albaicín. When I visited in the middle of May, Granada was reaching 36 degrees Celsius on some days. Being in the Nasrid Palaces provided some much-needed shade from the summer heat, which was a bonus too. Alcazaba After visiting the Nasrid Palaces during our pre-booked time slot, my sister and I grabbed lunch from the kiosk outside that was situated between the Nasrid Palaces and the Alcazaba. We then ventured into the Alcazaba, which was formerly the military base where guards and such resided. Strolling through the Alcazaba was tricky because the ground was quite cobbly and uneven. However, again, there were fantastic views of the city below from the lookout points. There were about three towers, if I remember correctly, that you could climb up to and see some gorgeous sights. But as a word of caution, there is one inside a stone building that requires you to climb up a spiral stone staircase that gets quite busy as it's the only one up and down. That being said, the views you can see from the towers are incredible. Credit: WriteWatchWork Shops and Ice Cream My sister and I then popped into one of the shops within the grounds and bought some gifts, before heading to the Palace of Carlos V. But before entering the palace, we bought an ice cream as a snack and refresher. Palace of Carlos V The Palace of Carlos V was an incredible building. I loved exploring the interior and seeing how it was almost like a bull ring with a round interior and an open-air roof. We were able to explore the upstairs as well, which featured a small museum that you could enter for 1,50 euros. There is also a small shop within the palace that you can visit. Generalife With the day getting on, my sister and I finished our visit to La Alhambra with the Generalife. This area of La Alhambra is a villa surrounded by orchards and gardens that have beautiful fountains and more views of the city. Unfortunately, my sister and I didn't get to visit the villa, but we did explore the gardens. The gardens were absolutely stunning, full of colourful flowers and plants. It was so peaceful walking around the grounds and being surrounded by nature, and it was a great way to end out visit to La Alhambra. How to visit La Alhambra? La Alhambra was one of the highlights of my trip to Granada. I loved exploring the history of the royal palaces and fortress, and being surrounded by iconic architecture. I am also very glad that my sister and I bought tickets to the Nasrid Palaces as well. If you fancy a trip to La Alhambra, here is where you can buy tickets: https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/ To get the La Alhambra, there are buses from the city centre, as well as the Granada City Tour train. However, my sister and I got a taxi up to the site, which you can also do. I would definitely recommend visiting La Alhambra if you're ever in Granada. Until next time...

Granada is a Spanish city rich in history and beautiful sights, so here is a little recap of our trip to Granada, Spain, along with the sights you can explore. Last month, I took a trip to Granada, Spain, with my sister. It was our first holiday abroad in a good few years, and it was our first proper city break. We first discovered Granada when my sister lived there for her year abroad back in 2019. Back then, I was only able to visit for three days, but I've always wanted to go back and explore more of the city. Here is a little recap of our trip to Granada, and the different sites that you can visit in the Spanish City. This will be part one of the guide, as the next instalment will focus solely on La Alhambra. A trip to Granada My sister and I visited Granada for six nights, Monday to Sunday. We chose those dates because they were the best flights – an early flight on the Monday and a late flight on the Sunday, which allowed us to have the most time in the city. Across the seven days, we managed to pack lots of exploring and activities into our itinerary, and whilst it was tiring, we are so glad we saw everything we wanted to see and more. As we visited lots of sights, I'll break this guide down into the different days and what we did. Monday - Centro Once we'd landed at Malaga, my sister and I headed to our hotel via a holiday taxi and unpacked. Then we changed into shorts because the Granada weather was already in the late 20s, and headed out. Our first day was spent exploring the area around our hotel, finding out where the nearest Carrefour was. We also revisited places my sister spent time at during her year abroad. So, we headed to Plaza de Bib-Rambla, which has lots of restaurants in the square. We went to La Cueva de 1900 for a glass of Tinto de Verano and a plate of tapas. Then we headed past El Corte Inglés (a department store) towards Fuente de Las Granadas. After seeing the accommodation where my sister lived, we walked along the Rio Genil, which was a lovely stroll in the Spanish sunshine. For dinner that evening, we headed back to Calle Navas, the street where our hotel was located, and stopped at Casa José Ristaurante for a lovely dinner. Tuesday - Albaicín and Flamenco For our first full day in the city, we headed up towards the Albaicín and Sacramonte. We wanted to explore this region before our flamenco show later that evening. We set out along Carrera del Darro, walking past the Real Chancillería (Royal Chancellery of Granada) until we came to Kubik Coffee. We stopped here for breakfast and had a tostada con mermelada de fresa y melecotón. After that, we kept on walking up the hilly streets of the Albaicín and exploring more of the area. We walked down street after street, stopping at a café for a cold drink before popping into some of the different shops and cafés along Calle Panaderos. One thing on my Spanish bucket list was to visit one of the lookout points within the Albaicín. There are quite a few of these lookout points across Granada, but the one my sister and I went to was El Mirador de San Nicolás. This had absolutely stunning views of La Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada too. Credit: WriteWatchWork Afterwards, we headed back down to the centre of Granada, grabbing an ice cream on the way, and got ready for our flamenco show. There are quite a few different flamenco shows you can see, but the one we chose and the one I'd recommend is Cueva los Amayas. This flamenco show is up in Sacramonte and takes place within a cave. The dancers literally perform less than a metre in front of you, and you can even buy a ticket to have a drink during the show — tickets can be purchased here. It was a spectacular show to watch, and I'm so glad that we saw it. We then got a taxi back to El Mirador de San Nicolás and had dinner at El Balcón de San Nicolás, looking out over the city and La Alhambra. Wednesday On the Wednesday, my sister and I took it a bit slower. We went for a walk to El Parque de Federico García Lorca – the famous Spanish writer. I, in particular, wanted to visit this park because I had studied Lorca at A-Level. Whilst there, my sister and I explored the gardens and sat by the pond, looking out as the ducks waded in the water. We then headed for the different university campuses, which my sister visited back in 2019. Whilst Granada University is a city uni, there are different campuses across the city dedicated to different areas of study. First up was Facultad de Ciencias – the science faculty. Then we went to the E.T.S. Ingenieria de Caminos Canales y Puertos building, which I believe is the architectural/engineering building. Next up, heading back towards the centre, we went to Facultad de Traducción e Interpretación, where my sister had her classes as she studied translation and modern languages. Of course, we couldn't not visit the bookstore near the faculty – Librerías Picasso – and then we stopped for dinner and churros at Alhambra Churrería at Plaza de Bib-Rambla. Thursday The fourth day of our trip, my sister and I spent the day at La Alhambra - the royal palace and fortress within Granada. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking and deserves a whole blog on it, so for now, continue to read on for more about my trip to Granada and come back next week to hear more about La Alhambra. Friday We had an early start on Friday as we needed to get to the Granada bus station for 9am to catch our bus to the Sierra Nevada – the mountain range/national park in Granada. After the 45-minute journey to the Sierra Nevada on the coach, we landed in the mountains. We arrived at the tourist area, where in the winter months it is full of ski activity, only to find that in the middle of May, it was pretty much a ghost town at 10:30 in the morning. However, after a little exploring, we found a local café to have breakfast at. We then found some toilets in the underground parking – it felt a bit like a horror movie until the sensor lights turned on – before heading up into the mountains. My sister and I managed to find a little path onto the mountains, and were able to take photos of the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, which still had some snow, and got some selfies too. Credit: WriteWatchWork In the heat, we desperately needed more drink and food, so we headed back to the original café we found earlier for lunch. It was then that we saw another Bistro open and serving customers, so we went there for another drink before catching our coach back to the city. That evening, we decided to have dinner along Calle Navas again and this time we ate at Perremedio before heading to Plaza de la Trinidad for an ice cream. Saturday As Saturday was our final full day, we decided to take it easy. We began by having breakfast at Starbucks before visiting La Catedral. We then had lunch at Puerta Bernina, having another tostado con pavo (turkey baguette). In Granada, there is also the Granada City Tour train. We hopped on the train outside Puerta Bernina along Calle Alhóndiga and stayed on it all the way round, seeing sites like La Alhambra, El Mirador de San Cristobal, and more. After heading back to the bookstore to buy a book, we had dinner at Gallio in Plaza de Bib-Rambla, during which we saw a rap battle, and then had churros at Gran Café Bib-Rambla. Sunday - Departure Day Sunday was our final day in Granada, so we had a slow morning. We had breakfast at our hotel, and then took a stroll to Puerta Bernina for lunch and then an ice cream before our taxi picked us up to take us to the airport. Part Two: La Alhambra As mentioned above, Thursday was spent at La Alhambra. Because there is so much to see at La Alhambra, and information to share, I will be sharing a part two to my guide/recap about Granada, focusing solely on the royal palace and fortress. If you're interested in history or would like to visit Granada, make sure to subscribe to receive an email when part two is published. Until next time, or as the Spanish say: Hasta luego...

The TV adaptation of Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series recently came out, and as a fan of the books, here are my thoughts on the eight-episode series. I have always been a reader. But back when I started this blog, I began creating content for Bookstagram, and subsequently have also started creating content for BookTok. As a part of the Bookstagram community, one of the first contemporary romance series I remember reading is the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy. This five-book series (four standalones and four novellas in one book) had me hooked from the very beginning. So, when Amazon Prime announced that they were adapting it for a TV show, I was so excited. Like many readers on BookTok and Bookstagram, the Off Campus release day was filled with anticipation. Now, having watched all of season one and having had the time to process my thoughts on holiday last week, I thought I would share my thoughts with you. TV Review of Off Campus Genre: Contemporary Romance Based on: Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy (specifically The Deal, book one) Stars: Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Stephen Kalyn, Jalen Thomas, Antonio Cipriano... Where to watch: Amazon Prime Rating: 9/10 Synopsis: As mentioned above, Off Campus, the television show is based on the book series by Elle Kennedy. However, season one of the show is centred around book one, The Deal. Off Campus as a whole is centred on a group of college students at Briar University and hockey players as they navigate love, friendship, heartbreak and personal growth. But the synopsis for The Deal, and therefore season one of the show, is: "A college-set romantic drama chronicling the unexpected love story between a music student and the university's star hockey player, exploring themes of love and the complexities of adulthood through deep friendships and enduring bonds." My Thoughts Usually, when one of my favourite books is adapted into a movie or TV show, I'm apprehensive and always end up preferring the book. So, it was natural for me to feel this way about Off Campus, especially when some of these characters are some of my favourites. However, I was so pleasantly surprised. I binged four episodes in one day and could not stop smiling and kicking my feet. And just to prove how much I enjoyed it, I went and bought a special edition of the book in Spanish. Credit: WriteWatchWork Thoughts on the characters The TV show, obviously, can't follow the book to the letter — no adaptation can because in a novel, you get the character's inner thoughts and there's more time for the plot to unfold. With TV, in particular, it is also very hard to follow just two characters, so it becomes more of an ensemble cast show. Season one of Off Campus centres on Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells, as Garrett requires Hannah's tutoring services in exchange for helping her get the attention of her crush. The fake dating trope is one of my all-time favourites, and Garrett and Hannah pull it off spectacularly well. What I really liked about the show was the cast. I thought Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli portrayed Hannah and Garrett really well, and had great chemistry between them. I also thought the other main characters (Allie, Dean, Logan, and Tucker) were cast well too; although in the show, Tucker's character has been made younger and doesn't picture exactly what I had in my head. The group dynamic of the four boys (Garrett, Dean, Logan and Tucker) was sooooo good! I really enjoyed how they portrayed the closeness between them, but also the banter that is present in the books. Their workout scene in particular...WOW! Whilst I thought the characters were well-cast and I could really connect to them on screen, I must admit that Garrett, in my opinion, is slightly different to what I expected. In the books, Garrett's character is very energetic, over-the-top and playfully cocky, but in the TV show, I felt he was more subdued and chill. Because of this, I do think one of the major changes to the plot makes sense for the TV show Garrett, rather than the book version of the character. But more on that below. I liked how the show brought in other characters from the series, such as mentioning Grace Ivers (Logan's love interest from book two), and also gave us more of an insight into Dean and Beau's friendship with their Dynamic Duo party and their costumes as Maverick and Goose (as a fan of Top Gun, I loved that!). Overall, I really enjoyed watching some of my favourite characters come to life on screen and they did encapsulate the essence of the book really well. Thoughts on the plot Season one of Off Campus mainly follows Hannah and Garrett's story from The Deal. However, the other characters' storylines are hinted at and teased too, setting up the future seasons where they'll lead. The plot of the show does include key moments from the book, such as Thanksgiving, a musical showcase, and a precise, intimate scene between Hannah and Garrett that relates to past trauma for Hannah. I really enjoyed watching the show and how closely it did mirror the book, but I also enjoyed some of the differences they included. One being that Hannah kisses Logan instead of Dean when trying to make a point to Garrett. At first, I wasn't sure about this change, but knowing that Logan has a crush on Hannah (in both the book and the show), this actually made more sense to fuel his crush on her. I also loved that the show didn't shy away from the hard-hitting storylines of domestic abuse and sexual abuse; they were handled so well in the show, and one scene in particular brought me to tears — Ella Bright in that scene was amazing. Another thing that was different in the show is Justin's character. Whilst Hannah still has an initial crush on him, in the show, he is a musician at Briar U, rather than a football player. I really liked this change that the showrunners made because it made more sense for Hannah to like another music student, rather than an athlete. Plus, it made way for Hannah's development as a songwriter throughout the season, leading up to the Pop Showcase in the finale. So, overall, I did enjoy the plot of Off Campus, season one. Thoughts on the differences Now, moving on to the differences between the show and the book. I've mentioned a couple above, but there is one major difference that I'm not sure how I feel about it. In the book, The Deal, Garrett and Hannah break up because Garrett's father forces Hannah to break up with his son, after threatening him. This results in the campus-wide hands-off law, which is so Garrett-coded and one of my favourite scenes of the book because it shows how well Garrett knows Hannah — that she would try and date other guys just to prove a point. However, in the show, Garrett actually breaks up with Hannah because he feels like he's not good enough for her after a certain incident on the ice. This results in no campus-wide hands-off law, except for a rumour started by his teammates. Whilst I initially frowned upon this change, I do see why the show is different, and going back to my earlier comment about Garrett being more chilled and less over-the-top in the show, this breakup makes more sense for his character, especially given his past. The final difference I want to highlight concerns book three, The Score, which focuses on Dean and Allie's story. The TV adaptation of Off Campus actually brings Dean and Allie to the forefront with teasers of their developing relationship shown throughout the season, and even a whole episode dedicated to them. Watching Off Campus, I was absolutely feral for Dean Di Laurentis. Stephen Kalyn is the perfect Dean, and Mika Abdalla is the perfect Allie. Their initial scene at the Dynamic Duo party was incredible, especially with Dean dressed as Maverick from Top Gun. I cannot wait for their storyline to progress in the show, and I really want them to be the season two leads. Overall Thoughts I am a huge fan of the book, and I am also now a huge fan of the show. I really enjoyed watching Off Campus and I think it has fast-become a comfort show for me. The soundtrack was fab; the characters and cast were amazing; and the plot was great. I will definitely be rereading the whole series and rewatching the show soon! Until next time...

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for 2026 is 'Take Action', so I'm sharing some ways you can take action to improve your health. Every year, Mental Health Awareness Week is celebrated because it is important to ensure that everyone is not only looking after their physical wellbeing, but their mental wellbeing too. The theme that the Mental Health Foundation have chosen for 2026 is 'Take Action'. Essentially, this is highlighting that whilst raising awareness of mental health struggles and ways to improve it is a key step, things will only change if we take action to actually support ourselves and others around us. Actions don't have to be big, monumental actions; they can be small, little steps that you take one at a time. So, for Mental Health Awareness Week, I'm sharing ways you can take action to improve your mental health and support others, too. A problem shared is a problem halved My first tip on how to take action in order to improve your mental health is to share with others. As humans, a lot of us thrive on social interaction with others and having a close community support around us, whether that's friends, family, a work colleague, etc. Having these strong relationships with others means that when we need it, we have a confidant, we have someone we can talk to about our problems. And this is essential in improving your mental health. There is nothing worse than keeping all your feelings and thoughts locked up tight in your mind especially when you're worried, anxious or stressed. It's not an easy thing to open up and be vulnerable with someone, but by sharing your problems, others can help ease the burden. Plus, if you're willing to share your problems and rely on others, they'll feel that they can do the same, so not only will you be helping yourself, but you're taking action to let others know you'd be there for them should they wish. Become more analogue We live in a world where technology is continually advancing, AI is becoming more prominent in everyday life, and most people are attached to their screens. I am definitely guilty of spending a lot of time on my phone, especially when it comes to BookTok. However, there is, ironically, a 'social media' trend that is encouraging people to become more analogue. To swap their screen time with a non-screen-related hobby, such as reading. So, my next tip to improve your mental health is to become more analogue. Forget about the wider world that you can access through your phone. Forget about capturing every single moment in a photo that you can later post on social media. Instead, be present. Be in the moment. Go old school and leave your phone in a drawer for an hour. Embrace what you can see, what you can feel and what you can do without being attached to a screen. Offer a helping hand This next tip can not only help you, but also others around you and in your community. Offering a helping hand to someone who needs it doesn't have to be a mammoth task. I'm not talking about driving your neighbour three hours to see their family — although you're more than welcome to do so — but more about the little things. If you see someone struggling to reach the top bag of pasta off the shelf in the supermarket, or someone drops something as they walk past, or even someone who looks a little lost, offer to help them. By showing an act of kindness, you'll make yourself feel good for helping someone in need and it helps the person you've aided. Plus, you never know if that person will pay it forward and go on to help someone else later that day. Start by saying no It is very easy to put yourself on the back burner and say yes to what other people ask of you. However, that is not necessarily the best way forward for your mental health. So, this tip is all about saying no. If you're asked by someone what you would prefer, whether it's a specific restaurant, a movie, or plans for the day, and you usually say, 'I don't mind', try stating what you actually would prefer. When someone asks you to do something which you haven't actually got much time for, say no. It's easier said than done, I know; I'm a bit of a people pleaser myself. But I'm learning that in order to make sure my own mental health is in a good place, I have to put myself first sometimes, and that means saying no. You can try saying no, and sometimes, it's not for you — look at Martha in Beyond Paradise on the BBC. However, you might surprise yourself. Be a little selfish My final tip relates to the one above, but what I'm focusing on when I say be a little selfish is to take the time for yourself. During each day, make sure you have a little time for yourself where you can focus on yourself and do something you want. It doesn't have to be long; it can be for 10 minutes or, if you want, an hour. But do something you enjoy because it will help you relax. An example of this is that every night before going to sleep, I try to read for at least 20 minutes because I love reading and having time to escape to another world helps me relax. Whatever it may be, be selfish and find the time in your day to do something for you. So, this Mental Health Awareness Week, I hope you find the time to take action. Whether it's big or small, long or short, a simple action can do wonders to improve your mental health. Until next time...