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...

I recently visited Waterstones Piccadilly, so here is a book haul of all the books I bought, ranging across genres from historical fiction to fantasy to romance. This week, I visited Waterstones Piccadilly for the first time with my sister. As book lovers, we knew we had to visit the biggest bookshop in Europe. We spent the entire day in Waterstones, going floor by floor, and came away with quite a big haul. It is definitely a place any reader should visit. Waterstones Piccadilly consists of seven floors and three cafés/restaurants in total. The books are spread across five floors with the Booker Library on the lower ground floor. My sister and I worked our way from the top floor back down to the entrance, browsing every section of every floor. There were so many good books we could have easily bought, but we limited ourselves to five books each. We also bought our mum a book and a couple of Spanish dictionaries for work. But I thought I'd do a quick book haul of the books we bought and what they're about. Historical Fiction The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Since VE Day, I've been wanting to read something related to World War II, whether it was fiction or non-fiction. Kristin Hannah has been praised all over social media, so when I saw that this book was set during WW2, I knew I had to buy it. The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, each making their own dangerous path towards survival in France during the war. Fantasy Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco I've wanted to read this book since reading the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy, so when I saw it in Waterstones, I was so happy, I knew I had to buy it. Throne of the Fallen tells the story of Envy, one of the seven princes of hell, as he is drawn into a deadly game where he meets Camilla. The two make a bargain and must travel through the underworld, whilst avoiding the most dangerous trap of falling in love. The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare The Shadowhunter universe has expanded with Cassandra Clare writing more and more novels about the characters in that world. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a novel about Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as their relationship is put to the test while they race across Europe to try and stop a new demon-worshipping cult. Dystopian The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Suzanne Collins has continued writing in The Hunger Games universe with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , which tells the story of President Snow. This novel is set prior to The Hunger Games trilogy and explores the life of President Snow and Lucy Gray during the tenth annual Hunger Games. Snow is trying to fix his family's name by mentoring the winning tribute of the Hunger Games, only he's given District 12's Lucy Gray, and things become tougher than he first thought. Magical Realism The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley This book was longlisted in the fiction category of the 2025 Women's Prize and has received rave reviews since its release. The Ministry of Time is about a civil servant being offered a job to gather 'expats' from throughout history to prove the existence of time travel. However, love blossoms, and it's a question of whether love can triumph over the history that we know. Romance Books Beg, Borrow Or Steal by Sarah Adams A classic romance of enemies-to-lovers that is book two in the When In Rome series by Sarah Adams. Beg, Borrow, or Steal tells the story of Emily and Jack, two authors who write under secret identities and are each other's nemesis. But when they're neighbours and forced to become colleagues, the tension reaches an all-time high as Emily needs Jack's help. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams Practice Makes Perfect is the third book in the When In Rome series by Sarah Adams and is another feel-good romance. It follows the story of Annie, a florist who wonders if the reason she can't find love like that in the movies is because she's the problem. When Will Griffin returns to town, providing security for Annie's soon-to-be sister-in-law, Annie hatches a plan for Will to tutor her in the world of dating, but the line of their friendship soon starts to blur. Happily Never After by Lynn Painter Lynn Painter is a new author to my sister and me, but we were intrigued by her writing due to the praise and the premise of her books. Happily Never After is a romance novel about Sophie, who hires Max to interrupt her wedding and confront her fiancé, as he cheated on her again. Sophie and Max form a plan to work together to expose other cheating partners, but when Max's ex becomes involved, Sophie's got a choice to make: does she take a chance on love? Love Unwritten by Lauren Asher I'm currently reading Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher and loving it, so I knew I had to pick up book two in the series. Love Unwritten , book two in the Lakefront Billionaires series, follows Rafael and Ellie as they navigate their relationship when lines begin to blur past the fact that Ellie works for Rafael as his son's nanny. Next of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young Hannah Bonam-Young's Next of Kin is an uplifting romance about familial relationships and the power of love bringing people together. It follows Chloe and Warren, two people trying to get custody of their younger siblings. They both join a new initiative that brings them together to qualify for guardianship over their siblings, but living together no longer feels forced when the chemistry between them increases. You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry You and Me on Vacation is the book that my sister and I bought for our mum because we're trying to get her into reading Emily Henry's books. This novel is about Poppy and Alex, who met 12 summers ago. 11 summers ago, they made a pact to vacation with each other once a year. And that goes on for so many more years, except two summers ago, it all went wrong. Now, they're going on one last trip, which could make them realise that they're not 'just friends'. I'm so excited to start reading these books and delving into the different worlds the authors have created. If you've read any of them, feel free to let me know what you thought in the comments below. Until next time...

Revive Me by Nikki Castle is an inspiring standalone sports romance that explores human vulnerability and acceptance in relationships. Since starting my book blog, I've read quite a few Nikki Castle romances. The Fight Game series by Nikki is one of my favourite sports romance series, and her spicy novellas are great for a fun, quick read. It was, therefore, no surprise that I was overjoyed when I received an ARC of Nikki's newest book, Revive Me . This novel comes out on Friday, 16th May and as an avid reader and Nikki Castle fan, I'm going to share my thoughts on Revive Me to convince you to give it a read. My review of Revive Me by Nikki Castle Genre: Sports Romance Tropes: Grumpy x sunshine Injured athlete x Physical therapist Slow burn Forbidden romance Disability rep I'm lucky enough to be part of Nikki Castle's ARC team, and I know that when I receive an ARC from her, I won't be disappointed. I haven't read a book by Nikki that I haven't enjoyed, and Revive Me is just the same. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and finished it in two sittings. It is a bit different to Nikki's other books in that it has less spice and explores disabilities, but that, in my opinion, doesn't make it any less good. In fact, I'd say this is one of my favourite Nikki Castle books so far. Revive Me is a standalone novel, and the synopsis is: I've never read a book about an injured athlete before, and I was excited to dive into Revive Me because of this. I love seeing representation of disabilities in fiction, and I think Nikki executed it incredibly well. So, let's get into what makes Revive Me such a good book. Character thoughts Roman and Liliana are opposites. Throughout the book, we get both of their points of view, which provides us as readers with a wider understanding of the characters and the events happening. The dual POV allows us to see what Roman and Liliana are thinking and feeling, which is important because they are contrasting characters. Liliana is a physical therapist. She is hopeful, caring and goes the extra mile for her patients. With an adrenaline-hungry family, Liliana likes to take risks, but she provides the best patient care to give them the best chance at recovery. I liked her character a lot because, whilst she doesn't have some crazy, intriguing backstory, she has a lot of depth. I could see parts of myself in her, especially with how she helps those she cares about. As an FMC, she is interesting and relatable. Nikki's portrayal of Liliana comes across strongly on the page, and I loved the dynamic between her and Roman. Whilst Revive Me is an MMA sports romance, like The Fight Game series, it takes a different angle on it. Roman was an MMA fighter, but after an injury, his career ended. Roman's characterisation is probably one of the more complex that I've read. Having a spinal cord injury isn't relatable for everyone, but despite that, Roman is a relatable MMC. Throughout the book, we see his grumpy side and how he can lash out and be angry because of his injury. However, we also see his vulnerability and uncertainty over his future because he doesn't know what it holds. I sympathised with Roman and found myself rooting for him throughout the book because Nikki wrote in a way that made me feel as though I was there with Roman, watching his rehabilitation first hand. As individual characters, Roman and Liliana are strong protagonists. But together, they bring to life the grumpy x sunshine trope, and create emotional scenes, whether it's through humour or sadness. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Overall narrative thoughts The protagonists are one of the best aspects of this novel. However, personally, I felt that the storyline and themes explored were even better. Revive Me by Nikki Castle isn't a fluffy romance that will make you kick your feet and giggle whilst reading. Instead, it will pull on your heartstrings, make you sympathise with the characters, and feel all sorts of emotions. This book explores human vulnerability and doubt when we're faced with life-altering events. It makes us question how we would move forward and overcome challenges that are out of our control. It inspires us to find hope and courage to keep on moving, just like Roman did in the end. The narrative does include flashbacks to when Roman and Liliana first met, which enhances the story. The flashbacks give us a deeper insight into the characters by allowing us to see how they interact and what Roman was like before his injury, which enhances the impact of his injury. Overall, Nikki Castle has knocked it out of the park once again with Revive Me . It is an inspiring tale of perseverance and courage, which explores the impact of positive relationships and allowing oneself to be happy. Revive Me by Nikki Castle comes out this Friday and is available to purchase on Amazon here . Until next time...