We're heading into August, so let's do a reading review of the books I read in Q2 of 2025. Q2 of 2025 is well and truly in the past with August arriving this week, but July has been such a busy month for me that I haven't had time to get around to doing a proper reading review. This month, I've been to a concert, completed work experience at Penguin Random House, and started volunteering at my local library. However, I have found time to read and add to the many books I read earlier this year. In Q1 of this year , I read 26 books. In Q2, I read even more, totalling 30 books. These varied in genre, and some of them were Advanced Reader Copies from authors. Q2 also saw some of my favourite books of the year so far. So, let's get into my reading review of Q2 2025. WriteWatchWork's Reading Review Total Number of Books Per Month As mentioned above, I read 30 books in April, May and June. These were a mixture of eBooks on my Kindle and paperbacks. I have also read a hardback, which is very unusual for me as I'm not a massive fan of them. In April, I read nine books. May saw me read 11 books, and in June, I read 10 books. May was the strongest month, with the most books read, but there were some great books across all three months, making Q2 even better than Q1. Most-Read Genre Whilst young adult dystopias and romance dominated Q1, my most-read genre of Q2 in 2025 has to be purely romance. I did read other genres, including fantasy and thrillers, but the most common was romance — contemporary, young adult, and cowboy romance. Most-Read Author In Q2 of 2025, I read 23 different authors. The different authors I read in April, May and June were: Abby Jimenez Ana Huang Annaliese Avery Bailey Hannah Catherine Cowles Debbie Johnson Elena Armas Emily Henry Freida McFadden Katie Kitamura Lauren Asher Lauren Roberts Lynn Painter Navessa Allen Nikki Castle Richard Osman Q.B. Tyler Sarah J Maas Sarah Morgan Steve Cavanagh Sylvia Plath Tahereh Mafi Whitney Gardner Out of the 23 authors I read, seven of them were new authors to me. These were Annaliese Avery, Catherine Cowles, Katie Kitamura, Lynn Painter, Navessa Allen, Sylvia Plath and Whitney Gardner. One of my Bookish Bingo goals this year was to read a new author, so I'm pleased I've done that in both quarters of 2025. But, my overall most-read author is Debbie Johnson as I read four books by her. Favourite Books Where do I start? Q2 of 2025 was such a fab quarter for me. I read quite a few books that were 4 stars, and quite a few that were 4.5 stars and higher. So, because it's hard to pick, for this part of my reading review, I'll pick three favourites and then list some honourable mentions. My overall top pick, which is my top book of the year so far, is Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi . I think I actually rated this 6 stars, which just shows how much I loved this. It is the first book in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series, and it was amazing! The next book has to be Change of Hart . This cowboy romance by Bailey Hannah was one of my most-anticipated releases. I was invested in the characters, I loved the dual timeline and most of all, I loved the found family and heart-warming moments. Plus, it was the first book that made me full-on cry. The third and final book in my top three favourites list is going to be A Court of Silver Flames . It's a hard decision to make, but ACOSF made me fall back in love with the ACOTAR world and reignited my love for fantasy books. I related a lot to Nesta, the FMC, and would re-read this book, for sure. Some other honourable mentions include Kill For Me, Kill For You; Fragile Sanctuary; Love Redesigned ; Reckless ; Funny Story ; and Debbie Johnson's Starshine Cove series. Favourite Authors There are so many different authors I could pick for this category. One of them is Tahereh Mafi , but I'm going to avoid including her in this list as I chose her as one of my favourite authors of Q1. So, my top three favourite authors of Q2 are: Catherine Cowles Lauren Asher Steve Cavanagh I was introduced to Catherine Cowles' books in Q2 after receiving Broken Harbor (book three in the Sparrow Falls series) from Evermore Books, an imprint of Penguin. I read Broken Harbor and then continued that series by reading Fragile Sanctuary , book one. It's safe to say Catherine is now one of my favourite authors of all time. Lauren Asher is up next. Now, I have bought every single one of Lauren Asher's books. I have read them all and I have loved them all. She is an auto-buy author for me, and reading Love Redesigned just reminded me why I enjoy her books so much. My final favourite author of Q2 is Steve Cavanagh. I read Kill for me, Kill for you, knowing that I would enjoy it because I loved Steve Cavanagh's Eddie Flynn series (I've still got a few more of those books to read). But I underestimated how good Kill for me, Kill for you is. It is a top thriller that everyone should read. Best Book Surprise There were a couple of surprises in Q2 of this year. The first surprise is that I was shocked by how much I enjoyed a particular book. I had heard mixed reviews of Reckless by Lauren Roberts prior to reading. I loved Powerless , book one in the series — read my review here — so I was sceptical as to whether or not I'd enjoy book two. But I loved it. I thought it was a great sequel, building the characters up more and focusing on their developing relationship. I'd definitely recommend this series if you're interested in fantasy books. Surprise two came in the form of a novella. If you've read my reading review of Q1, you'll know I was re-reading the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. Except this time, I was also reading the novellas for the first time. The final novella, and final book, in the series is Believe Me . It's told entirely from the male protagonist's POV, and I LOVED it. I was so surprised by how much this book improved my reading of the series. It was emotional (I even had tears at one point), it was funny, but most of all, it was such a wholesome ending to the series. Least Favourite Book Out of the 30 books I read in Q2 of 2025, I rated four books below 4 stars. These were The Nanny is Off Limits by Q.B. Tyler, Lights Out by Navessa Allen, Powerful by Lauren Roberts and The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas. Unfortunately for me, I didn't enjoy these books as much as I thought I would. The Nanny is Off Limits and Lights Out were a bit too explicit. When reading The Nanny is Off Limits , I preferred a side character over the protagonists, which shouldn't be the case. Lights Out failed to live up to the hype for me, and the humour in it was the only thing that made me rate it 3 stars. As for Powerful , I had heard such rave reviews, but when I read it, because it's a novella in the Powerless series with a simultaneous timeline, I knew how it ended. I didn't get as much emotion from it as I thought I would, and to be brutally honest, I don't think it's necessarily needed as a book. The American Roommate Experiment was surprising because I enjoyed The Spanish Love Deception . However, with this one, I found the characters slightly cringeworthy and became embarrassed by their actions. I did, though, like the ending when they broke up and had to grovel to get back together. 25 Books for 2025 In Q2 of 2025, I managed to tick off eight books on my 25 Books for 2025 list. These were Reckless (Lauren Roberts), Funny Story (Emily Henry), A Court of Silver Flames (Sarah J Maas), Love Redesigned (Lauren Asher), Kill for me, Kill for you (Steve Cavanagh), Change of Hart (Bailey Hannah), The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath), and Watch Me (Tahereh Mafi). Credit: WriteWatchWork I've got 15 more books to read to complete this list, but I'm hoping to read these in the following two quarters. I hope you enjoyed reading this review of my second quarter of the year. Hopefully, if you haven't read some of these authors or books before, I've inspired you to give them a go. Please do comment below if you fancy letting me know some of the books you've enjoyed this year. Until next time...

I recently did two weeks' work experience at Penguin Random House, and here are some tips for publishing hopefuls that I learnt whilst at the publishers. For the last two weeks, I worked at Penguin Random House. I spent two weeks working within Vintage in the Marketing and Publicity teams, and it was the best experience I've had in my career. This year, I've been working towards my goal of working within the publishing industry . Alongside my degree, I'm trying to build up experience for my CV, and having two weeks at Penguin allowed me to learn so much from those working in publishing. The two weeks flew by in a flash. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Penguin, working in Vintage, but also just getting to talk to others in the company. I even introduced myself to the CEO, Tom Weldon . Throughout my time at Penguin, I learnt a lot and I know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of publishing hopefuls out there, so I thought I'd share some tips I picked up whilst working at Penguin Random House UK. My publishing hopeful tips from Penguin Random House Be open to anything The work experience for Penguin is organised randomly. Yes, you apply, but it isn't guaranteed you'll get a placement because it is a random selection. I actually applied last year and wasn't successful. You can list your top three divisions of Penguin (Vintage, Cornerstone, PRH Children's, etc.) and your top three departments (Editorial, Marketing, Audio, etc.). However, you won't always get your top choice, but that's okay. In publishing, I would say that to get your foot in the door and to get as much experience as you can, you need to be open. Accept every opportunity you are granted and don't be afraid to try something new, even if it's not what you thought you wanted. There is so much you can learn from all the different departments within publishing, ones you might not have even considered before. I used to think I wanted editorial, but this year, I've been focusing on marketing and publicity. I was so lucky to be put in Vintage's marketing and publicity team, but I also spoke to people in different departments, including Audio Production. Network, network, network During my work experience, I had two hosts/supervisors whom I reported to whilst there. However, I worked within two different teams, made up of several people. I also attended meetings, which involved those from editorial, sales and finance. Being able to hear from people all across the business was invaluable. You might not think you're interested in a specific department, or a specific book people are working on, but getting to chat with any publishing professional can be helpful. So, don't be afraid to go and introduce yourself to people. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Ask if it's okay for you to save their email in case you want to reach out for some advice. If you're interested in a certain division, ask your contacts if they know anyone whom you could talk to. I did this twice and I'm so glad I did because I got to learn about one of my favourite imprints in publishing and see behind-the-scenes and how they work. Whilst what you know is incredibly important, sometimes, who you know is too. Ask questions Another tip I learnt from my work experience was to ask questions. There is nothing beneficial about you not understanding something or doing a task wrong because you were afraid to ask someone for help. The fear of being told no or someone dismissing you is a strong one, but you have to overcome it. It's always better to ask for help and clarification. Be curious and inquisitive. Ask for them to explain something, or to show you how to do something, so that you know. This shows that you care and are interested in improving your work. It highlights how you acknowledge your weaknesses and are willing to learn. Plus, it shows your teamwork and ability to collaborate with others - all important transferable skills. So, whatever question you have, don’t be afraid to ask people. Use your initiative As well as being inquisitive, you should use your initiative. Publishing is such a competitive industry and a busy one too. Everybody will have full schedules; I know I did during my work experience. However, there were times when I completed tasks quicker than expected, and I ended up with nothing to do. So, I just asked if there was anything else I could, whether that's admin tasks, mailings, or even tidying shelves (I have a lot of experience tidying my own bookshelves!). Also, I asked if it was possible for me to speak to people from different publishing divisions, specifically Evermore and PRH Children's. By using my initiative, I arranged meetings and was able to have good, in-depth chats with both. It might be scary, but try and do as much as you can. Take charge and ask if there's anything you can do to help. Introduce yourself to people and arrange meetings. You never know where it may lead. Preparation is key My time at Penguin wasn't just my first experience of publishing, but my first experience of office work and commuting. It was scary, and I didn't know what to expect. I was terrified I'd do something wrong. However, I prepared as much as I could. I made sure I knew my commuting route. I had all my stationery, my laptop, sticky notes, etc. I had a diary and made use of the Microsoft Teams calendar. I always kept my emails and Teams chat open. Being prepared meant that when I received a few work tasks in a day that was already busy with meetings, I wasn't overwhelmed or struggling to stay on top of everything. I completed every task with detail and efficiency. I replied to emails and messages as quickly as possible. I planned when to do certain tasks around meetings, to ensure I could complete everything whilst still attending. None of the other tips will do you any good if you're not prepared. Be prepared to accept opportunities that might scare you or were unplanned. Be prepared with a notebook so you can note down people's contact information, any questions you have, and anything you learn. Publishing is a hard industry to get into. But it isn't impossible. I have my sights set on publishing, preferably in marketing or publicity. But I don't have a specific division/imprint in mind yet. I'm open to opportunities and willing to do as much as I can to build on my experience and utilise the contacts I've made. So, I hope these tips have given you some help if you're a publishing hopeful. And if you fancy getting some publishing work experience, apply at Penguin. Those two weeks have been some of the best this year, so go for it. Until next time...

Summer has arrived, and as an avid reader, here are some book recommendations for you to add to your summer TBR. The UK is currently in a bit of a heatwave with a heat dome over the country, much like the rest of Europe. In this weather, it's difficult to focus on work and get the job done, especially if you've got a 'To be read' list of books a mile long. I'm forever adding to my TBR, but especially in summer. I absolutely love to just sit with a good book, either in the garden, on holiday, or in front of a fan, trying to cool off. There are so many good summer books for readers to add to their TBR lists this year. I've recently added quite a few to my TBR and thought that I'd share some book recommendations with you all too. Below is a list of summer book recs, ranging in genre, so whatever your tastes, hopefully there's something for you to indulge in. A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin Genre: Summer romance A Cornish Love Story is Cressida McLaughlin's latest book, and it is set in idyllic Cornwall, the perfect location for a summer read. It follows Georgie, a journalist who's invited to report on an event at the most romantic house in Cornwall. But, whilst there, she comes face-to-face with the architect, who happens to be her ex, and they end up being trapped inside together. I've loved all of Cressida's books , so I can't wait to dive into her new release. Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter Genre: YA Romance Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is the perfect young adult read for summer because it exudes rom-com vibes. Following Liz, a young girl who loves romantic comedies, like Nora Ephron classics, as she tackles her senior year of high school whilst juggling her feelings for her childhood crush, and also her annoying neighbour. I read this book in June and rated it four stars, so I'd definitely recommend it. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Genre: Contemporary Romance Just for the Summer is book three in the Part of Your World trilogy. It is perfect for summer because of the title, the beautiful cover, and the fact that it's set on a private island on Lake Minnetonka in summer. I haven't read this book, but I've read the previous two in the series. Just for the Summer, though, is high up on my summer TBR this year. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Genre: Contemporary Romance One Golden Summer seems to be the book of the summer this year, as I've seen it on BookTok and Bookstagram quite a bit. It is a standalone, but is interconnected with Every Summer After by Carley Fortune as they're set in the same world. This book follows Alice and Charlie Florek, together again after several years apart, during the height of summer. Two people connected over a photograph that may change the course of their lives. I recently got gifted One Golden Summer, and I'm so excited to read it, but I have heard that it's better to read Every Summer After beforehand. Happy Place Genre: Romance Happy Place is one of my favourite Emily Henry books because whilst it is a fake dating romance, there's so much more to it than Harriet and Wyn putting on a front for their friends, during their last summer holiday together. This book is a great summer read because it is set in a lovely holiday location, involves summer activities and makes you think about where your happy place truly is. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller We Were Liars has recently come out on Amazon Prime as a TV show, which just shows how good a story this mystery thriller is. It's perfect for the summer as it is set on a private island and tells the story of a group of four friends involved in a mystery. I really want to read this book before watching the TV show, so I might add it to my TBR this year because I do love a good mystery. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Genre: Historical Fiction Malibu Rising is a well-loved novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and is a great read for summer, and not just because the cover is an idyllic sea blue. The novel follows the famous Riva family and their iconic annual end-of-summer party that reveals the loves and secrets the family have tried to keep hidden. I absolutely love TJR's writing, but have yet to read this book. However, I've heard some great things, so I'm looking forward to reading it. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Genre: Historical Fiction Where the Crawdads Sing is a mystery novel set in 1969 that follows the story of Kya Clark, the 'Marsh Girl', as she becomes a suspect in a local murder. This book has also been turned into a movie. It's not necessarily set in summer or in a lovely summery location, but Where the Crawdads Sing gives me some summer vibes. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty Genre: Thriller Nine Perfect Strangers is the perfect summer thriller. It follows nine strangers as they arrive on an island at a remote health resort, but whilst there, they realise not everything is as it seems. Again, this is another book that has been adapted for the screen, and with a remote island setting, could be a great read for thriller readers this summer. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune Genre: Fantasy The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy book that kicks off the Cerulean Chronicles series. It's a good read to add to your summer TBR as it features a magical island and found family. I only recently heard of this book, but was intrigued by it from the blurb and the wonderful cover. If you're a fantasy lover, this could be a great book to pick up this summer. If you do fancy reading any of these book recommendations, I hope you enjoy them. If you have other recommendations you'd like to share, feel free to put them in the comments below. Until next time...

The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery is a young adult fantasy novel that mixes Bridgerton with magic, perfect for any fantasy and romance readers. One of my favourite genres to read is young adult literature. As part of my degree, I'm studying writing for young adults, and that involves reading a lot of YA books. The most recent young book that I've read is The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery. I picked this up from my local library as I was on the hunt for some more YA books, and the cover alone intrigued me. The Wycherleys was published last year by Simon & Schuster and is the first in a series. I thoroughly enjoyed the book when reading it and found it useful to inform my YA literature studies. Therefore, I thought I'd review it and share my thoughts with you. Review of The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Tropes: Forbidden Love Magical Match Wiccan Mystery Regency Vibes Rating: 4 Stars The synopsis of The Wycherleys is: "For the Kingdom. For the magic. And for love . . . Seventeen-year-old Aurelia Wycherley is entering her debutante season as a witch. Aurelia should be excited about finding the perfect match to tether her magic to. But her magic is cursed – dark, dangerous, and not the kind that her peers want to match with – and, without a tether, she faces losing her magic completely. But when Aurelia learns that enigmatic, aloof Jules, a member of arch enemy family the Nightlys, is searching for a way that a witch can keep their magic without tethering, she realises he may be her only hope. A forbidden alliance is formed . . . but as they navigate the Magical Season with its glamoured balls and perilous trials, they uncover dark forces that threaten their families and the magical world they live in. Expect family secrets, generational curses, forbidden romance, gorgeous ballgowns, bribery, extortion, trespass, magic and kissing . . . lots of kissing." The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery is a single point of view novel told from the perspective of the female protagonist, Aurelia Wycherley. It follows Aurelia throughout her debut season in search of a magical tether. From the start, I really enjoyed Aurelia's character. You're put into her head as a reader and get to know her through her distinct narrative voice. She is intelligent, headstrong, and determined not to let her cursed magic ruin her Magical Season. Aurelia is an outcast because of the curse, but she has close friends in her brother, Vaughn, and Constance, her long-time best friend. It's clear they're worried about Aurelia, but she stands her own, and it's evident from the beginning that she's a good protagonist. Jules Nightly is an interesting character. He's the male protagonist, and whilst we don't get to see his point of view directly, we get to see how Aurelia views him. This makes him a very likeable character, despite the animosity between the Wycherleys and the Nightlys. When Aurelia and Jules meet, it's clear that their relationship is not what it seems, and it was very enjoyable joining them on their journey. With Aurelia being headstrong and resilient, and Jules being enigmatic with a broody exterior, their dynamic was great. I loved the banter between the two of them and the adventures that they went on. I particularly liked how, despite the regency-era of the book, they joined forces and proved others wrong. But the highlight of The Wycherleys for me was the world Annaliese Avery created. The book immediately gave me Bridgerton vibes. There are letters throughout like pamphlets, echoing Lady Whistledown, making the reader aware of the events throughout the Magical Season. The addition of balls and debutantes and matches also gave Bridgerton vibes, but when you add magic and covens and witches, it takes it to a whole new level. It is cosy and easy to navigate. Plus, the mystery aspect added a lot of complexity to the plot, and I was trying to work it out alongside Aurelia and Jules through each chapter. The only thing I would say that knocked a point off my rating is that Aurelia's voice at times did very much read as YA, so if you're not a huge fan of YA books, then it might not be for you. However, that being said, The Wycherleys is well-paced with great characters and an intriguing plot. It does end on a cliffhanger, which only makes me want to read book two more. If you're in the mood for a YA fantasy romance that blends witches and mysteries with balls and love, then check out The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery. You can purchase it from Amazon here . Until next time...

The summer heat is here, and we're already halfway through June . Here are some tips on how to have a balanced day, combining work with downtime, to get the most out of life. Summer is very nearly officially here. Sometimes, it can be challenging to focus on work and not let ourselves indulge in summer activities. However, it can also be very difficult to allow yourself to have downtime, especially if you suffer from productivity guilt or workaholism. I know, personally, I always have a list of things to do. With my degree, it is part-time, but it is also mainly independent study with no lectures. But I always find different tasks for myself to do, and I struggle when presented with free time. I know a few people who are similar to me, but I also know people who are the opposite. However, with recent events, I feel it's imperative for everyone to find joy in their daily life and remember that whilst work is important to pay the bills, it is even more important to live life to the fullest and appreciate what you have. So, here are some tips that can help you make the most of your daily life to have a balanced day with a combination of work but also fun. Utilise Meal Times My first tip is based on personal experience. If I know I've got a lot of work to do that day, or that I have a deadline looming, I will try and make sure I get in some fun activities during meal times. When I have breakfast, I try and read a couple of chapters on my Kindle. I try to read each day, but doing so at breakfast puts me in a good mood and is a good start to my day. During lunchtime, as I'm lucky enough to work from home, I put the TV on in the background whilst I eat. I also sometimes do some crossword puzzles to keep my brain working. By combining meal times with activities you enjoy, you can kill two birds with one stone. It means you can still experience downtime and do things you like without worrying about not getting enough sleep or being late to work. Share Dinners What I mean by this one isn't to literally share the food off your plate. No, what I mean is to share your dinner time with others. Sometimes, you have to eat alone; your family might be late home, or you simply might live alone. But having someone to experience dinner with can help give you a balanced day. Whether it's having someone over for dinner, Facetiming them if they don't live near, or going out for a meal with friends, all of this can benefit you. It gives you time to socialise and enjoy the company of others, outside of work and without worrying about what things need to be done. This utilises dinner time because everyone has to eat, so what's wrong with eating with others? Enjoy Your Evenings Sleep is one of the most important things in life that we can gift to our body. It is so important that we all get enough sleep, but it is also significant that we have downtime. After work, you may have a list of things that need to get done. It could be an extra work project you didn't quite finish, or simply the washing, ironing, and other housework. But all those things will still be there tomorrow. So, why not enjoy your evenings and do something fun for you? It could be meeting friends, spending time with family, or simply staying in and watching a comfort movie. Whatever it is, allow yourself to enjoy it. Give Yourself Grace Periods During the work day, we all have our set hours that we have to work, whether we're 9-5 or freelance. However, that doesn't mean we have to work every single second of the day. Or at least we shouldn't. If you find yourself going to the toilet or getting another glass of water, and you bump into a colleague, don't feel like you have to rush back to your desk straightaway. Give yourself time to chat to them and have a quick catch-up. Obviously, don't just chat for an hour, but don't feel guilty about talking to them. Life nowadays can quickly become about work and being successful, so you can earn lots of money to buy the house, go on holiday and pay the bills. Whilst those things are significant, it is important to remember to live life to the fullest. Nobody knows how long they'll be on this planet, so cherish the moments we have and try to enjoy each day a little more. Until next time...

Funny Story by Emily Henry is a great summer read for romance readers, who enjoy a book that is not only about love, but about friendship and self-identity and worth too. I've read hundreds of different books in my lifetime, but throughout the years, I've always had some authors whom I return to. They vary in genre, but there are always some authors whose books I will always buy, even before reading. One of these authors is Emily Henry. I first discovered Emily Henry's books on holiday three years ago. I picked up Beach Read in Norwich's Waterstones and began reading it on the Norfolk Broads. My friend had picked up Book Lovers, and not long after the holiday, I decided I wanted Book Lovers too. I then read Happy Place last year, leaving two of Emily Henry's books to be read. You and Me on Vacation was her first romance, and I recently bought that for my mum. I still haven't read it. However, I have just finished reading Funny Story . I really enjoyed this one, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you all. My review of Funny Story by Emily Henry Genre: Romance Tropes: Roommates Friends to Lovers Forced Proximity Fake Dating (ish) Small Town Romance Opposites Attract Rating: 4.5 Stars Funny Story is a romance novel, and the synopsis is: "D aphne always loved the way Peter told their story. That is, until it became the prologue to his actual love story with his childhood bestie, Petra. Which is how Daphne ends up rooming with her total opposite and the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra's ex, Miles. As expected, it’s not a match made in heaven – that is, until one night, while tossing back tequilas, they form a plan. And if it involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their adventures together, well, who could blame them? But it’s all just for show, of course. Because there’s no way Daphne would start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex . . . right?" I had been wanting to read Funny Story by Emily Henry for ages, but it wasn't until a book bestie gifted it to me that I was finally able to read it. The first thing that caught my attention was the premise. I love a fake dating romance and I always adore friends-to-lovers; however, I'd never read a book about dating your ex-fiancé's new fiancée's ex. It intrigued me because it adds so much complexity in terms of relationships and handling feelings to the plot that I knew I had to read it. And I'm glad I did. It is a single point of view narrative from Daphne's perspective. As a female protagonist, I really liked Daphne. She grabbed my attention from the very first page. I thought she was funny, smart, and very relatable. The chapter headings link to her as a character, and they piqued my curiosity by counting down days. But at the beginning, you don't know what the countdown is for. Daphne's character is the driving force of this novel, and I became invested in her journey. There are a lot of layers to her personality, and I loved the fact that she was a librarian and got to work with books. Miles is the complete opposite of Daphne. He works in a winery, everybody loves him, and he is more laid-back and friendly than Daphne. However, the two of them work very well together. At first, I wasn't so keen on Miles based on the description in the book, but over time, I did like him a lot. However, he definitely isn't my favourite character of this book, or my favourite EmHen MMC. That being said, I really enjoyed reading about the two of them dealing with their past relationships and trying to move forward with their lives. There was a lot of banter, flirtatious behaviour and general kindness between the two of them. I think I would have liked to see some more fake dating, but that's possibly because I thought that was a key trope. However, the book does work well with the trajectory of the relationship, focusing on Daphne and Miles as friends first. A real highlight of the book for me was the female friendships. At the start of Funny Story , Daphne is very much her own person, doing her own thing and keeping to herself. But throughout the novel, she learns to open up and make friends for herself, including her co-worker, Ashleigh. I loved reading about the friendship between Daphne and Ashleigh and watching it blossom. Plus, Julia's character was a fab addition that made the trio really great. The theme of friendship links to my overall takeaway of the book. Emily Henry does write romance, but I've always found her books to have a deeper, more profound meaning behind them. Funny Story is no different. Whilst this book is about Daphne and Miles finding love again with each other, it also explores what it means to be happy by yourself and to live a life you want. To be an 'I', not a 'We'. Daphne discovers what she truly wants as the novel goes on, and she learns to find her own place in town, with her own identity and her own friends. I love how thought-provoking this book was, much like Happy Place , because it makes you, as a reader, reflect on your own life. Overall, whilst there were a couple of things about the book that did annoy me — mainly Miles' actions at one particular moment — I did really enjoy reading Funny Story by Emily Henry. It is a perfect summer read, set throughout the summer months, with a colourful cover. If you fancy reading an Emily Henry book, this is a good place to start. Let me know your thoughts down below in the comments. Until next time...

The Comedy About Spies is a new show by the Mischief Comedy team, which will have you laughing the entire way through the play. Last Saturday, my family and I took a trip to London to see The Comedy About Spies at the Noel Coward Theatre. We bought tickets for my dad's birthday, knowing that we would all enjoy the show. Previously, we've seen The Play That Goes Wrong and have a DVD of it. We also saw a sketch from The Comedy About Spies on the Royal Variety Show. We loved the short sketch so much that we just had to see it in the West End. And it did not disappoint. Our trip to the theatre started with a short queue outside, where we bumped into some family friends. Once we were inside the gorgeous theatre, I went straight to the merchandise stand to buy myself a programme —I have a programme from every theatre show I've seen. However, I was also intrigued by the other merch on sale. There was a variety, including tote bags, but I opted to buy the script for The Comedy About Spies. As a scriptwriting student, I thought it would be useful and having just seen the show, it'll be fresh in my mind as to what the on-stage portrayal looks like. We took our seats, got refreshments, nipped to the toilets, and were ready for the show to begin. The Comedy About Spies Review The Comedy About Spies was a 2-hour and 15-minute stage show, including an interval. It was fast-paced, ingenious and full of hilarity. The play is set in 1960s London and revolves around the mystery of a stolen top-secret file by a rogue British agent. The CIA and the KGB are sent to retrieve the file to stop the other from getting their hands on it. During the mission to apprehend the rogue agent and retrieve 'Project Midnight', a young couple are experiencing problems, an actor is auditioning for James Bond, and a secret shopper is reviewing the Piccadilly Hotel. Thus, chaos ensues. The Comedy About Spies begins with a scene of CIA agents, named after letters from the alphabet. There's Agent I, Agent O, Agent U, Agent C, Agent Y, and more. The confusion over these names and general English phrasing kicked off the show with great comedic effect. As a writer, I loved how the dialogue of the script used play on words and sentences with ambiguous meanings. There were so many moments where I was sitting in awe of the actors, watching them deliver their lines with perfect timing. The whole play is very cleverly written and executed incredibly. Having seen The Play That Goes Wrong, I recognised most of the cast and knew that we were in for a real treat. But seeing The Comedy of Spies live was another experience. These actors portrayed the characters so well. The entire audience oohed and ahhed and applauded. There were even a couple of times when the audience felt sorry for a couple of characters because, whilst it is a comedy, there were heartfelt moments that brought other emotions to the surface. The set designs were amazing, particularly the split-level cutaway of hotel rooms. I couldn't believe how intricately the actors moved around the stage whilst the set changed. There's one scene in particular that I can vividly remember towards the start of the play when the rogue agent is being chased. That was some exceptional scriptwriting and execution. Also, one of the characters played by Dave Hearn had some great stunts, including jumping over tables and being extracted from floorboards. Every character in this play brought comedy. It wasn't just the protagonists; it was everyone. At points, there were times when a couple of the actors were laughing themselves and nearly losing character because they found it so funny, along with the audience. I loved these moments because they just show how comical the play is and how joyful it is as well, because the actors find humour in it. The Comedy About Spies is a 1960s Cold War spy thriller, but it is like no other. It is full of comedy, laughter and action. If you fancy a good old laugh and want to see a show, then definitely go and see The Comedy About Spies. This was the second play I've seen that wasn't a musical, and it is one of the best shows I've seen in the West End. The Mischief Theatre Group are incredible at their job. The scriptwriting, the set design, the acting, everything comes together to produce an excellent comedy with great twists at the end. The Comedy About Spies can be seen at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, but only for a limited run until September 5th 2025. You can purchase tickets here . Until next time...

June is a celebration of pride, so here are some LGBTQIA+ book recommendations for Pride Month for you to enjoy. Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ people and the diversity within our society. As someone who is an avid reader, I feel it's important to see diversity within books. Especially in a world where equality, diversity and inclusion are more important than ever. I've read a few books over the years with LGBTQIA+ representation, but there are still many I'd like to read. With it being Pride Month, I wanted to share some of these books that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with you all. Some have LGBTQIA+ protagonists and explore the relationships within their lives. Others explore the hardships that those in the LGBTQIA+ community face and inspire others to be more accepting. Below are some different book recommendations, in various genres, for Pride Month. HappyHead Duology by Josh Silver Genre: Young Adult Dystopian LGBTQIA+: Gay protagonist This duology explores society's perception of what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' in terms of sexuality and how Sebastian fights for his right to love who he wants and to be who he wants to be. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Genre: Contemporary Romance LGBTQIA+: Gay and Bisexual protagonists This novel tells the story of the Prince of England and the USA's President's son as they navigate their growing feelings for each other, despite the rules of royalty and presidency. Now a film on Amazon Prime. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo Genre: Contemporary Fiction LGBTQIA+: Lesbian protagonists Girl, Woman, Other follows the story of 12 black, British women as they each share their individual journeys through family, friends and love. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Genre: Romantic Historical Fiction LGBTQIA+: Lesbian protagonist This extraordinary novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood icon, ready to the world about her life throughout the 1950s to the 1980s, including her seven husbands along the way, and who her one true love was. Heartstopper by Alice Osman Genre: Young Adult Graphic Novel LGBTQIA+: Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian protagonists The Heartstopper graphic novels explore the relationship between two teenage boys as they navigate their feelings for each other, and the relationships of their friends around them, too. Now a TV series on Netflix. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Genre: Romantic Fantasy Retelling LGBTQIA+: Gay protagonists This novel explores the battles Achilles and Patroclus faced as they forged an inseparable bond, risking gods' wrath, that was tested to its limits during battle. Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake Genre: Romantic Comedy LGBTQIA+: Lesbian protagonists This comedic and clever novel tells the story of taking chances on love by exploring the relationship between Delilah and Claire, two almost-enemies-to-lovers. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Genre: Fantasy LGBTQIA+: Bisexual protagonists This fantasy duology follows a group of misfits as they attempt an impossible heist in enemy territory and deal with the fallout. The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi Genre: Fantasy LGBTQIA+: Lesbian and Transgender Protagonists This fantasy novel tells the story of three women as they each join forces to reignite a revolution that spans the length of a trilogy. There are plenty more books out there with LGBTQIA+ representation, but these are just some I've come across. The ones I've read I have thoroughly enjoyed and I'm excited to read the others too. Happy Pride Month. Until next time...

Vitamin String Quartet came to the UK as part of their tour, and if you get the chance to watch them, I would highly recommend it. Ever since Bridgerton came out on Netflix, I have loved Vitamin String Quartet's music. In fact, they're probably one of my favourite music artists. I love their music so much that I got my sister hooked on them, too. Next, I persuaded my parents, and when I saw that Vitamin String Quartet were coming to the UK, I knew I had to try and get tickets. So last week, my family and I travelled to London to watch Vitamin String Quartet in concert at Union Chapel. Seeing VSQ in concert did not disappoint, and I'm going to persuade you all to listen to their music and go to a concert if you can. Review of Vitamin String Quartet's Concert Vitamin String Quartet is a rotating quartet of artists, playing string instruments (the clue is in the name). The current group of musicians include Rachel and Wynton, each playing a violin, Tom, playing a viola, and Derek on the cello. These four musicians are not only incredible at playing their instruments, but they are also incredible at getting a crowd involved and cheering for them. The music that VSQ plays consists of Taylor Swift songs, Bridgerton soundtracks, and classic oldies, such as "Creep" by Radiohead. At the concert, there was a variety of songs that even if you don't know the title, you'll recognise. Credit: WriteWatchWork The set-list included the likes of Bad Guy - Billie Eilish Take On Me - Ah-Ha Yellow - Coldplay Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift Cheap Thrills - Sia Vampire - Olivia Rodrigo Good Luck, Babe! - Chappel Roan Fortnight - Taylor Swift How's Moving Castle - Merry Go Round of Life - Joe Hisaishi Purple Rain - Prince Thank U, Next - Ariana Grande Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter Sugar, We're Goin Down - Fall Out Boy Super Rich Kids - Frank Ocean IDOL - BTS Creep - Radiohead Die with a Smile - Lady GaGa and Bruno Mars Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift Everlong - Foo Fighters There is something different about a string quartet that makes you feel each song more deeply. The emotions were high, and people sang along, clapped to the beat, and cheered at the end. However, for me, what made the concert even better were the personalities of the VSQ members. These musicians are so engaging, comedic and joyful when on stage that it made the audience enjoy it even more. The audience clapped and cheered from the moment VSQ entered the stage. We all listened with rapt attention to every song, and to each bit of speech the musicians gave in between songs. There were a lot of laughs and a lot of smiles. Tom had to tune his instrument a couple of times, but that didn't disrupt the enjoyment of the show. In fact, it became a bit of a running joke, and he got applause for each tune he did. I love a variety of music, so I thoroughly enjoyed all the songs played, even those I wasn't as familiar with. My sister and I were swaying to the music throughout the whole concert, but there was one song that had everyone singing along and feeling like a part of VSQ. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. VSQ played Bohemian Rhapsody as the encore to the concert, and let me tell you, it was amazing. Everyone sang from the very first lyric, and the atmosphere was incredible. As a fan of Queen, I love Bohemian Rhapsody as a song anyway, but listening to VSQ play the song as a string quartet was a whole different experience. At the end of the concert, VSQ also arranged a meet and greet, where those in attendance could get a picture with the band and get their merchandise signed. Whilst we didn't buy any merchandise, my sister and I did, however, get a photo with VSQ. Credit: WriteWatchWork Getting to speak to them, whilst only brief, was the cherry on top of the cake because they were all so lovely. If you haven't listened to Vitamin String Quartet's music yet, please do. I tend to listen to it whilst I'm doing other bits and bobs, such as writing or cooking dinner. But if you are a fan, do try and see them in concert if you can, because you won't regret it. Until next time...

Working in the summer can be a challenge when you're stuck in your office, while the sun is shining and the weather is warm. So, here are some tips on how to work efficiently in the summer months. Sun shining bright. The sound of an ice cream van roaming around. Dreams of being on holiday. All things that could make working during the summer months challenging. Especially if you're stuck in an office or at home all day. However, working in the summer doesn't have to be difficult. You can still enjoy the warmth of the summer sun whilst being productive and efficient in your job. Here are five tips on how to work efficiently during the summer, which I hope can help you find the balance between work and play. Pomodoro Technique If you were in my GCSE class, you'll know what this is. If not, then let me explain. The Pomodoro method is a time management technique that involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. I did this for my GCSE revision and it helped. By giving yourself set times to work in, it will ensure you work productively during those minutes whilst prioritising the tasks that need to be done first. It gives you a schedule and helps structure your day to minimise the stress that the summer heat can cause. Find a new office I don't mean find a new job — although, of course, if you want a new job, then go ahead. What I mean by this is that if you have the luxury of being able to work remotely, either full-time or part of the week, then take advantage of it. If you're able to work from home, then find a new office. It could be a coffee shop, the library, or a friend's house, who also works from home. Sometimes, switching up your office can make all the difference. But I do want to say that only do this if your job allows it; if you have confidential work, then working in public is probably not the wisest idea. Have some time out I've said this before in a previous blog post about working in the summer, but take breaks. Don't force yourself to stay behind your desk or in your office all day, especially if you're feeling tired, stressed and burnt out. Get some fresh air. Go for a quick five-minute walk around your work building. Have your lunch outside. Take some time away from screens and enjoy the feel of the sun on your face. Fuel your body When it's hot, it's even more important for us to fuel our bodies, both with water and with healthy foods. It can be very easy for us to become dehydrated, and if we're sweating or very stressed, it can make matters worse. So, to ensure you stay focused during work and can get the job done, you need to look after your body. To do that, make sure you fuel it with healthy foods throughout the day. It can be tempting to reach for biscuits or chocolate, but why not try having some refreshing fruit? That way, your mind and body will be fuelled. Sleep, very deep My final tip for you is to get a good night's sleep. Now, I know it's hard to sleep well when it's incredibly hot, especially for those of us who don't have the luxury of air-con. However, a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can give yourself. It will allow your mind and body to fully rest, to recuperate for the next day. There is nothing worse than working and feeling hot and tired, so by ensuring you sleep deeply, you can feel refreshed the next morning to tackle the day ahead. With June underway and the temperature in the UK only getting hotter, I hope these tips can help you work more efficiently in the summer months. If you have tips of your own, let me know in the comments. Until next time...

The Powerless trilogy by Lauren Roberts is now complete, so here is my review of Reckless, book two in the series. Lauren Roberts recently published the third and final book in the Powerless trilogy, a young adult fantasy series. The trilogy consists of Powerless, Reckless and Fearless . There is also a novella, which focuses on a side character from book one. The events of the novella, Powerful , coincide with the events of Powerless , so a lot of readers do a tandem read. However, I read Powerful separately, and as soon as I had finished that, I went straight onto Reckless . I was meaning to read Reckless last year, but unfortunately, I just didn't get around to it. So, as promised in my Powerless review , here is my review of Reckless by Lauren Roberts. Review of Reckless by Lauren Roberts Genre: Fantasy Tropes: Forced proximity Enemies-to-lovers Hunter vs Hunted Rating: 4.5 stars Reckless by Lauren Roberts is the follow-up to Powerless . It picks up straight after the events of book one and is a continuation of the story, focusing on the protagonists, Paedyn and Kai. The synopsis of the book is: "The kingdom of Ilya is in turmoil… After surviving the Purging Trials, Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray has killed the King, and kickstarted a Resistance throughout the land. Now she’s running from the one person she had wanted to run to. Kai Azer is now Ilya’s Enforcer, loyal to his brother Kitt, the new King. He has vowed to find Paedyn and bring her to justice. Across the deadly Scorches, and deep into the hostile city of Dor, Kai pursues the one person he wishes he didn’t have to. But in a city without Elites, the balance between the hunter and hunted shifts – and the battle between duty and desire is deadly." Before reading Reckless, I was a bit wary because I'd heard mixed reviews about it. Powerless was so popular that when other readers finished Reckless , a lot were disappointed and didn't find it as good as book one. However, having now read Reckless, I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is different to Powerless , as it should be, but it was different in an intriguing way. Reckless is a dual point of view novel with the perspectives of Paedyn and Kai being used to tell the story. This gave us a more well-rounded view of both characters, but also of the events happening and the world the story is set in. If Lauren had only written this from Paedyn's point of view, I think it would have been less engaging. However, having both Paedyn and Kai narrate meant I was more invested in the story as I knew how both characters were feeling. This book focuses heavily on Kai's duty as the Enforcer vs his desire for Paedyn. The two of them have fought their feelings for each other all throughout book one, and now, Kai is tasked with capturing Paedyn for her treason. The tension and suspense built up in Reckless was so good. I had seen a spoiler about the ending of the book before reading, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. Reckless was full of action, and the push and pull between Paedyn and Kai increased the tension, making it palpable at times. I loved the scenes when the two of them featured together, which became more frequent as the book developed. That was when we really got to see the banter between them, the flirting, but also the reluctance and annoyance towards their feelings for each other, knowing they could never be together. Whilst Powerless had a broader focus in terms of characters and the worldbuilding, for example, the Resistance, Reckless focuses mainly on Kai and Paedyn and their relationship. We do get to see the neighbouring city of Dor and the Scorches and Sanctuary of Souls; this develops the worldbuilding, which I love in a fantasy book. However, other than the occasional chapter from Kitt's point of view, Reckless ignores other characters and focuses on only Paedyn and Kai — I actually forgot about a certain character being alive until he featured in one chapter. Because of this, I do feel like the book is perhaps a tad long. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it did become a bit repetitive at some points, and there's a certain subplot that was dropped in early on and hinted at twice more in the book that I felt went unfinished — it may be revisited and developed in Fearless , though. That being said, I loved the intensity of some scenes where either Paedyn or Kai was hurt and the other cared for them. Also, I particularly enjoyed the poppy field scene. This scene reminded me of the Wizard of Oz , but instead of falling asleep, Paedyn and Kai danced and confessed some serious things that will impact them going forward. Of course, because it is book two in a trilogy, it did end on a cliffhanger. I really want to read Fearless , but I am going to wait for the paperback to be published to complete my collection, so expect my review then. If you've read the Powerless trilogy, let me know what you think in the comments below. However, if you haven't read it, I would definitely recommend it if you like fantasy books with a romance subplot. Until next time...

Flashbacks can be a useful tool in storytelling, whether it's for a novel or a screenplay, but there are some things you have to consider. As a Creative Writing student, my knowledge of storytelling has gone on leaps and bounds since I started my degree. Many people think that Creative Writing is just a hobby, that it's not really a skill. However, I can tell you that crafting characters who are relatable and believable, imagining worlds full of intrigue, and creating storylines that are interesting and surprising, is no easy feat. Throughout my degree, I've developed my knowledge of storytelling, focusing on two specific mediums: novels and scripts. I'm particularly interested in writing for young adults and writing screenplays or television dramas. I've learnt about a multitude of techniques in both areas. One that can apply to both is the flashback—and sometimes, the flash forward. Including a flashback within your writing or on-screen can have many advantages. But there are sometimes drawbacks to the technique as well. In today's blog, I'm going to explore what a flashback actually is, why a writer may want to use it, considering the advantages and disadvantages, and what things to consider when writing them, based on what I've learnt from my studies. What is a flashback? A flashback is a narrative technique that jumps backwards in time from the present day of the story, interrupting the chronology by showing a scene or moment from the past. Flashbacks are also called analepsis. Why use a flashback? Flashbacks are a timeless literary technique. They have been used in many novels, from The Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights to The Hunger Games and Six of Crows. Flashbacks are also quite common in TV shows and movies. Some films, like Titanic, are told from the perspective of a flashback, whereas other films and TV shows, like The Vampire Diaries, have flashbacks littered throughout them. There are many reasons why a writer may add a flashback to their story. Some of the reasons being: • Flashbacks can reveal a character's backstory by providing information about their past, which relates to their actions and behaviour in the present. • Flashbacks can increase intrigue by making a promise with the reader. • For instance, if in a book or a film, we read/see a scene where everything has gone wrong, but then jump back in time to a few days or weeks earlier, we're intrigued as to how the character goes from one situation to a dire situation. • Flashbacks can heighten the emotions of a story and deepen our relationship with a character, making us more invested in the story and empathising with them. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. When using flashbacks, there is a chance that it will confuse the reader. They can also slow the pace of the book and disrupt the flow if not crafted carefully. If you use several flashbacks within one story, constantly flitting back and forth between time periods, then the main narrative has the potential to be overpowered by the flashbacks, causing confusion or lessening the audience's intrigue. But, they can be a useful tool to use and result in very effective storytelling if used correctly. Flashback Considerations When writing flashbacks, you have to ask yourself if what you're trying to tell your readers, your audience, in that moment, is best portrayed through a flashback. You want to intrigue the reader. Raise their curiosity and build suspense so that they stay committed to the story until the end. You don't want to confuse them or bore them. If you're thinking about including a flashback in your writing, consider this list of Dos and Don'ts. Do • Be necessary - your flashback needs to have a good reason for interrupting the present-day story, e.g. giving insight into two characters' past relationship, showing us a traumatic event in the protagonist's past. • Define your flashback - you need to make it clear to your audience that the flashback is a flashback, but without disrupting the flow of the story, e.g. change verb tense or POV (present narrative in present tense and flashback in past tense), or on-screen, use small details like the clothing of characters or the background music. • Cut the irrelevant - this is similar to the first point, but do ensure that your flashback either reveals information about the characters or develops the plot. If it doesn't, don't be afraid to cut it from your writing. • Be well-placed - there is nothing worse than having a flashback right in the middle of an action scene, or five chapters after what it relates to, so make sure you include your flashback at the right time in the narrative. Don't • Repeat it again - flashbacks should be relevant to the story; however, if you use one flashback to highlight a particular event or information about a character, don't reiterate your point through multiple flashbacks of similar things. • Linger unnecessarily - unless your story warrants you telling it from a flashback perspective, like The Great Gatsby, don't linger too long in the past, only show what's relevant for the present day. • Be on-the-nose - your flashback shouldn't blatantly explain things to the reader/audience; it should guide them, and the writer should trust that they will make sense of the flashback and understand its importance Examples of Flashbacks As mentioned above, flashbacks have been a timeless technique used in all mediums of storytelling. I've used flashbacks in my novel writing and my scriptwriting, and I understand the benefits and drawbacks of them. However, if you are thinking of including flashbacks in your storytelling, here are some great examples of flashbacks in novels and also on-screen. Flashbacks in Films and TV • Casablanca • Coco • Forest Gump • Top Gun: Maverick • The Vampire Diaries • Pretty Little Liars • The Good Place • Scandal Flashbacks in Books • The Great Gatsby • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo • The Hunger Games • The Outsiders • Harry Potter • To Kill a Mockingbird • Circe • Wuthering Heights If you're a budding writer, I hope this blog post has given you some good advice about writing flashbacks. Using flashbacks can be a great writing technique and tool to strengthen your storytelling, but you have to consider things. Until next time...