Last One Laughing is a brand new comedy series on Amazon Prime that will keep you laughing throughout. It is a must-watch for comedy fans. I'm a big fan of comedy. I love watching and reading things that will have me in fits of giggles because I love to laugh. So, when my family and I were looking for something to watch on a Friday night, we were intrigued by Last One Laughing on Amazon Prime. Last One Laughing UK is a reality TV show that brings together 10 celebrity comedians and locks them in a room for six hours — an hour per episode — echoing Big Brother's style of a shared common room. Whilst in that room, the rules are simple: Don't laugh. Don't smile and don't smirk. If the comedians do any of the above, they receive a yellow card. If they do it again, they receive a red card and are out of the game. Last One Laughing is hosted by Jimmy Carr with the help of Roisin Conaty, who both watch the 10 contestants try, and sometimes fail, to make others laugh whilst keeping a straight face. The 10 comedians on Season 1 of Last One Laughing include Bob Mortimer, Richard Ayoade, Joe Wilkinson, Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Daisy May Cooper, Lou Sanders, Harriet Kemsley, Judi Love, and Sara Pascoe. This cast is one of the reasons why I was so drawn to the show. These celebrities are some of the funniest in the UK, and watching them try to make each other laugh, whilst avoiding laughing themselves, was hilarious. My family and I were in fits of laughter because whilst the jokes and conversations were funny, so was watching each celebrity struggle to hold their laughter in. Whilst locked in the room, Jimmy Carr got the contestants to sometimes complete a challenge with others, going head-to-head. The contestants were also tasked with performing their 'Joker', which was supposed to be their silver bullet for taking out their rivals. There are also occasionally some special guests, tasked with helping to make the celebrities laugh. What I loved most about Last One Laughing is that it was pure comedy. It wasn't filtered, it wasn't planned; everything was authentic and really funny. I really hope there is a season two because there are a lot of comedians that I'd like to see involved in Last One Laughing. So, if you're looking for a new TV show to binge, then check out Last One Laughing on Amazon Prime Video. It will have you laughing in each episode and wanting to watch more. If you find yourself watching Last One Laughing, feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, if there are any comedians you'd love to see on the show, share your thoughts. Until next time...

Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi came out last week, and as a fan of dystopian books, this book is one of the best I've read in a while. Tahereh Mafi has crept into my top five authors with her compelling stories and flawless writing style. Her Shatter Me series is one of my all-time favourites, so it was no surprise that I was excited about the release of the spin-off series. Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi is book one in the spin-off series, Shatter Me: The New Republic . I pre-ordered it from Waterstones as I was able to read it on the day it was released. Now, I don't usually buy hardback books or like to read books if I have to wait a while for the sequel. However, I made an exception and boy, am I glad I did. I loved Watch Me so much that I wanted to review it for you all. Review of Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers Forced proximity Found family Rating: 6 stars Watch Me picks up 10 years after the events of Imagine Me, when Juliette and Aaron took down the Reestablishment. It is centred around James Anderson, Aaron and Adam's brother, who we all know from the original Shatter Me series. The book is dual point of view with James's perspective, and Rosabelle Wolff's POV, who is a completely new character. The synopsis of the book is: "James Anderson had a plan. Or half of one. All that matters is that he managed to do what his older brother, the famous Aaron Warner Anderson, never did: infiltrate Ark Island, the last refuge of The Reestablishment. In the past decade no outsider has breached the stronghold of the authoritarian regime, but James is in. In a prison cell, sure, but as far as James is concerned, a win is a win. It’s been ten years since the fall of The Reestablishment. Ten years since the notorious duo — Juliette Ferrars and Aaron Warner Anderson — led a worldwide rebellion and established the New Republic of the West. But after a decade of unsettling quiet, The Reestablishment is ready to make a devastating move, and they have the perfect person for the job. Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. She always has a plan. On Ark Island, where constant surveillance is packaged as security, even emotions must be experienced with caution. A trained assassin, her every movement is monitored by synthetic intelligence—and when she’s given an order to kill, she never hesitates. Brimming with pulse-pounding action and torturous romance, Watch Me is an explosive journey through a dystopian landscape where enemies-to-lovers has never felt more impossible. Step into a beloved and breathtaking world that demands an answer to a desperate question— Who are we when no one is watching?" First of all, what drew me to this book was the world it's set in. I loved the dystopia that Mafi created in the original series, and to have the chance to revisit that intrigued me. Watch Me has two main locations: The Ark and The New Republic. The Ark is where the Reestablishment have set up shop to try and rebuild after Juliette took them down, and The New Republic is where the Shatter Me gang are based as they rebuild the world. Once again, Mafi has crafted detailed settings that are characters within themselves because, without them, each character's journey wouldn't work. But the best bit about this book had to be the characters. I thought James was a great character in the original series; he was the only child in those books and was an innocent soul who just wanted to be with his brother, Adam. However, after finding out Aaron Warner is his half-brother, it turns out, James wanted to be trained by him. Now an adult, James is very different to what he was like before. He's been raised by Warner and Juliette and is very much a combination of Warner and his pseudo-uncle Kenji. I absolutely loved adult James—he is charming, funny, sarcastic, and so compelling. His behaviour, his interactions with others and his dialogue were perfect. I did feel sorry for James at times because it was clear that the others still thought of him as the defenceless 10-year-old kid that they knew, but he has grown up into a capable man. Enter Rosabelle, a woman from the opposite side of the tracks. Rosabelle Wolff, a hired assassin for the Reestablishment, was born into the life she lived with an arranged marriage in her future. Her sister, Clara, needs Rosabelle to do her job, and when James becomes her target, things turn interesting. I really enjoyed Rosabelle's character. She is new to the Shatter Me world, but straightaway, I could connect with her. She doesn't have an easy life, but she is a survivor. Rosabelle reminded me of Juliette in the early books of Shatter Me . However, as Watch Me progresses, Rosabelle and James grow into iconic characters that capture the reader's attention effortlessly. I loved their dynamic and the banter between them. But the ending... Oh my God!! I was in shock after the ending of this book. The plot twists throughout were fantastic. I really enjoyed the development of the story and watching the characters grow. Plus, the other characters in this book were so much fun. I loved revisiting Juliette, Warner, Kenji, Winston, and everyone. The waffle scene with James, Kenji and Winston was so good. I didn't expect to laugh so much reading this, but I'm glad I did. The emotions Mafi creates are so good— Watch Me is funny, hopeful, heartbreaking and everything in between. Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi exceeded my expectations and has become one of my favourite books of all time. There wasn't a bad thing about this book, except for the fact that I have to wait a while for book two to be released. If you haven't read the Shatter Me series or Watch Me , you definitely should. You can get them on Amazon here, and also from Waterstones and The Works. If you do get to read Watch Me , let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time...

I read 26 books in the first quarter of 2025, so I thought I'd do a reading review of those books as I love recommending books to fellow bookworms. For 2025, I set myself a Goodreads reading goal of 60 books. In previous years, I have set myself a goal of over 100; however, last year, I didn't read enough books to achieve my goal. Therefore, I lowered my target to 60 books. We're in the middle of April and I've already read 31 books in total, but in the first quarter of the year, I read 26. As a book blogger and bookish content creator, I wanted to do a reading review of Q1 2025. I've read quite a variety of books so far this year and thought I'd go through them to hopefully give you readers some inspiration if you're looking for some more books to add to your TBR. So, let's get into my reading review of Q1 2025. WriteWatchWork's Reading Review Total Number of Books Per Month As mentioned above, I read 26 books in the first three months of the year. A lot of these were Kindle books as I received a Kindle for Christmas, but I have read quite a few paperbacks too. In January, I read six books. February saw me read 10 books, and in March, I completed nine books and started one, which I just finished. February and March were both strong months, but I know I read quite a few novellas. Most-Read Genre The main genres I've read so far in 2025 are romance and young adult dystopias. I have read a thriller by Harlan Coben, and I recently read a Freida McFadden book. However, Freida McFadden's book fits into Q2 of 2025. Also, I've read a couple of historical fiction novels, too. Most-Read Author In Q1 of 2025, I read 14 different authors. Six of them were new authors to me, but I can safely say, I'm glad I read their books. The different authors I read in the first three months of the year are: Abby Jimenez Bailey Thomas Eliah Greenwood Elsie Silver Evie Woods Harlan Coben Josh Silver Kandi Steiner Liz Tomforde Sara Cate Sarah A. Bailey Tahereh Mafi Taylor Jenkins Reid Victoria Hislop The six new authors to me were Abby Jimenez, Bailey Thomas, Evie Woods, Harlan Coben, Sarah A. Bailey, and Victoria Hislop. I did really enjoy all of their books, so I would definitely revisit their work. Favourite Books If you're a book lover, you'll know how hard it can be to pick just one favourite book and one favourite author. That's why, for this part of my reading review, I'm going to pick a top three and maybe note some honourable mentions. With the release of Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi coming out this week, I re-read the Shatter Me series . I managed to read nine out of the eleven books in Q1 of 2025, and I can safely say they are some of my favourites. But, if I had to pick, I would say Restore Me . It is the fourth full-length novel in the Shatter Me series, and the development of the series really picks up in this book. The plot twists, the new characters, the relationships — I loved it so much. My other two favourite books of Q1 are Play Along by Liz Tomforde, which is a sports romance with a fake marriage — you can view my full review here — and Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. This is book one in the Part of Your World series and follows two people from completely different walks of life who fall in love. Some other honourable mentions have to be the rest of the Shatter Me series, as well as Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver, Dead Happy by Josh Silver, and The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. Favourite Authors For this reading review tag, I could easily list several of the authors I've read. But I'll refrain from that and stick to three. First up, is Tahereh Mafi. I feel like that was a given, especially if you've seen some of my BookTok videos, you'll know how much I have obsessed over the Shatter Me series and her work. My second favourite author of Q1 has to be Josh Silver. I devoured Dead Happy , which is book two in the HappyHead series, and have found myself loving Silver's writing style. The third author I'm going to pick is Taylor Jenkins Reid. I first read TJR's books last year when I read Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , and with each book of hers I read, I fall in love with her writing even more. In Q1, I read After I Do and Evidence of the Affair by TJR. Best Book Surprise I generally tend to read romance, dystopian or thriller novels, so this year, I'm trying to broaden my scope of genres. And whilst Q1 consisted mainly of romance novels, there is one book that is a little bit different that I really enjoyed. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. I read this novel for my book club and I'm so glad I did. I think it's classed as historical fiction, which I haven't read much of, unless you count Bridgerton , so when I found myself thoroughly enjoying it, I was pleasantly surprised. Least Favourite Book Out of the 26 books I read in Q1 of 2025, I only rated one of them 3 stars; the others received a rating of 4 stars or higher. This book was Keep Me by Sara Cate. It is a spicy romance, however, I didn't really feel that this book had a strong plot or interesting characters to keep me engaged. I did finish the book because I don't necessarily like DNFing books, but I wouldn't read it again. Although I have previously enjoyed some of Cate's other books. 25 Books for 2025 This year, I came up with 25 books that I want to read. These vary in genre and author, and in Q1 of the year, I ticked off two of these books. The two books that are on my 25-book list are Part of Your World and Wild Eyes . I really enjoyed these two books, and can't wait to tick off some more from this list in Q2 of 2025. I hope you enjoyed this reading review of the first quarter of the year. Hopefully, some of the books and authors mentioned inspire you to give them a go, if you're in need of some recommendations. Feel free to let me know some of the books you've read so far this year and whether or not you enjoyed them in the comments below. Until next time...

Here is a comprehensive guide to the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, just in time for the release of Watch Me , book one in the spin-off series. Tahereh Mafi is probably most famous for her young adult dystopian series, Shatter Me . Since the rise of BookTok, the series has grown in popularity, and now, a spin-off series is in the works with book one of Shatter Me: The New Republic being released on April 15th. I, myself, am a huge fan of the Shatter Me series and have just reread all 11 books in preparation for Watch Me's release. However, I know that for readers who haven't read Tahereh Mafi's books before, it can be a bit daunting and confusing to start. Below is a comprehensive guide to the Shatter Me series and its universe for those who love the series but are also new to the series. What is the Shatter Me series? The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi is a YA dystopian series. Many think it is of the romance genre, and whilst there are romantic subplots, it is very much dystopian. It follows the life of Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl, who has been locked away for 264 days. She has a lethal touch. Whilst Juliette has been locked away, the Reestablishment has continued ruling over the world, erasing individuality and forcing everyone to live in sectors. Each continent is ruled by a Supreme Commander and split into sectors, each with a leader. For example, North America is split into 555 sectors, and Aaron Warner is the commander of Sector 45. The books follow Juliette's fight against the authoritarian Reestablishment and her discovery of the truth. The Reading Order In the Shatter Me series, there are 11 books in total: six full-length novels and five novellas. When you buy the physical copies of the novellas, however, they are combined into three books. The first three full-length novels were originally a trilogy ( Shatter Me, Unravel Me , and Ignite Me ), but Mafi went on to expand the series into what it is today. The reading order for all the books is as follows: Shatter Me Destroy Me Unravel Me Fracture Me Ignite Me Restore Me Shadow Me Defy Me Reveal Me Imagine Me Believe Me Credit: WriteWatchWork Shatter Me, Unravel Me and Ignite Me are all from Juliette's perspective. Restore Me is from Juliette's, Warner's and Kenji's; Defy Me is from Juliette's and Warner's POVs, and Imagine Me is from Juliette's and Kenji's perspectives. Destroy Me takes place in Aaron Warner's perspective, following the events of Shatter Me . Fracture Me is from Adam Kent's perspective and carries on from Unravel Me . These two stories can be found combined in the Unite Me novella. Shadow Me takes place after Restore Me , and Reveal Me takes place after Defy Me . Both Shadow Me and Reveal Me are from Kenji Kishimoto's point of view and collectively make up the novella, Find Me . Believe Me is from Aaron Warner's point of view, and it is more of an extended epilogue, rounding up the characters and storylines from the series. Whilst there are nine books, you don't have to read the three novellas. When I first read this series, I didn't read them, and still found it enjoyable and loved it. However, this time around, I have read all nine books and found it to be a much better reading experience. Seeing Aaron's, Adam's and Kenji's perspective of events gives you a wider view of the whole story, which only adds to the enjoyment. Characters I don't like books with loads of characters because it can be difficult to keep up with who is who and what their story is. However, the Shatter Me series is an exception. There are quite a few characters in this series, which is expected given the length of it. But, I haven't found it confusing keeping track of them because they're all distinct and Tahereh Mafi has written the books with three main points of view, which makes it easier to read as you don't hop from one character's head to another's to another's. The main character of the series is 17-year-old girl Juliette Ferrars. The first three books are solely in her POV, giving her version of events. Within these first three books, you meet other key characters, including but not limited to: Aaron Warner, Adam Kent, Kenji Kishimoto, James Kent, Castle, Winston, Brendan, Lily, Alia and Ian. As the series develops and we are introduced to more of the dystopian world, we meet other significant characters, such as Nazeera, Hider, Paris Anderson, Evie and Max, Emmeline, Stephen, Nouria and Sam. Like I said, that's a lot of names to remember. But the progression of the series is well-paced and explained that you remember who is who and what they do. The Spin-Off Series Once you've read the Shatter Me series, you may be thinking that's it. However, there is more to come from Tahereh Mafi and the dystopian world she created. Watch Me , book one in the Shatter Me: A New Republic series, comes out on April 15th, 2025. It is set 10 years after the events of Imagine Me, and the protagonist is James, Adam's little brother. Watch Me is an enemies-to-lovers YA dystopian novel and I, for one, am so so excited to read it and delve back into the world of some of my favourite characters. You can order Watch Me , and also the Shatter Me series, from Amazon, Waterstones, The Works or other retailers. If you haven't read the Shatter Me series before, I hope this guide has convinced you to give it a try and has prepared you for what it entails. Feel free to let me know what your thoughts are on the series. Until next time...

Netflix's The Life List is more than just a feel-good romance. It's profound, emotional and packed full of life lessons. When I was younger, I used to love watching any and all Disney films. I particularly loved those on Disney Channel, which includes the Descendants franchise. One of the actresses in Descendants is Sofia Carson, and she is fast becoming one of my favourite actresses. Since moving away from Disney, Sofia has done several movies that show just how talented an actor she is. These include Purple Hearts, Carry On, and Songbird. Her most recent film is The Life List on Netflix. Alongside Sofia, it stars Kyle Allen, Sebastian de Souza and Connie Britton. It came out at the end of March and has already hit number one on Netflix. When I was watching The Life List this week, I absolutely loved it. So, I wanted to share my review with you all. My review of The Life List Genre: Romantic drama As stated on IMDB , The Life List is about a woman, Alex, who "revisits her childhood aspirations, endeavouring to achieve her old goals, only to discover that pursuing these lifelong dreams takes her on an unforeseen and surprising journey." And whilst that synopsis is true, for me, The Life List is about so much more than pursuing childhood aspirations. It has become one of my favourite films that I've seen this year, and it isn't just a simple romantic drama, in my eyes. The film explores the realities of adulthood and the impact of society's expectations on ourselves and on others. In the trailer, this is evident, so it's not a spoiler, but Alex loses her mum, which kickstarts her journey in completing the life list. The film takes place over a year and follows Alex as she completes each item on the list, which she wrote at 13 years old. As expected, Alex is at first angry and frustrated with her mum for making her complete the list. But the more items Alex checks off, the reason behind her mum's plan becomes clearer and the more videos Alex receives. I loved the development of this film because it's engaging and balanced. It's not too fast-paced and despite the time jumps, it's easy to follow. It doesn't feel rushed or unnatural, and as time passes, we're brought along on Alex's journey as she slowly discovers her true self and what she wants in life. Watching Alex force herself to do things she wouldn't normally do as an adult is inspiring. It reminds us that when we're younger, we all had aspirations and dreams that we wanted to accomplish, but as we get older, we often conform to society's expectations of adulthood and let life get in the way. Alex's character is a great protagonist because of how complex she is, and Sofia Carson's portrayal of her is excellent. Throughout the film, we see her develop with each video from her mum, and we see her reconnect and form relationships with her father, her brothers and the family lawyer. The emotions evoked in The Life List were so strong that I cried, and I've had others tell me they cried too. But what makes it so effective is not only the scriptwriting or the developed characters, but the relatability of the story. Losing a loved one is a universal experience. Finding yourself in a rut and unhappy can also be very common. So, going on a journey to find yourself and receiving videos from a loved one who's passed is a beautiful thought, and it's clear through Alex and her brothers, the power that memories of those close to us can have. The Life List is a movie full of love, joy and heart-warming moments. But it's also thought-provoking, inspiring and comforting. I absolutely loved this film and the messages it holds. Sofia Carson's films always explore reality and relatable events that many can sympathise with, which makes them incredible to watch. So, if you're interested in a feel-good, emotional drama that inspires you whilst comforting you, then check out The Life List on Netflix. Until next time...

Monday 7th April is World Health Day, so here are some different ways you can ensure you're looking after your mental and physical health. In a society where we rely on technology and spend copious amounts of time on our phones, tablets and computers, it can be difficult to keep on top of a healthy lifestyle. Our mental and physical health are equally important, but sometimes one can be less prioritised than the other, and sometimes, both can fall to the wayside. However, we all need to ensure we're looking after ourselves, both mentally and physically. That's why, for today, I wanted to share various ways you can care for your health as it is World Health Day on Monday. Embrace nature Spring is officially here, and the weather in the UK is finally getting a bit warmer and sunnier. That means it's a lot easier for us all to venture outside rather than being cooped up inside all day. Being outside isn't always great though, especially when you suffer from hay fever. However, getting outside and being surrounded by nature has been proven to provide health benefits. So, to care more for your mental and physical health, take some time out of your day to either go for a walk or sit outside, whether that's in your garden or a public field/park, and embrace nature. , Daily movement Depending on what job you do and what your day-to-day exercise life entails, it can be difficult to find time to exercise. It can also be challenging to find the motivation to want to exercise. But caring for your mental and physical health doesn't necessarily mean that you have a workout routine, targeting different muscle groups and consisting of different exercises. You could simply go for a ten-minute walk each day. Or you could do a quick at-home workout or walk somewhere instead of driving. Whatever you choose, as long as you get some daily movement into your routine, because whilst you may not like exercise or getting sweaty, exercise releases endorphins and actually makes you feel good and energised. Nutritious food and drink Have you heard the phrase, You are what you eat? Our bodies rely on food and water to survive. We need to fuel our bodies to give us energy and allow basic functions, like breathing, hormone maintenance and digestion to occur. However, to be in the best physical health and have good mental health, you do need to eat nutritiously and drink water. Of course, you can have meals out and have a can of Pepsi too, but the majority of what goes into your body needs to be good for it. Otherwise, you could develop health issues over time; you could feel drained and fatigued; and you could just feel a bit meh. By prioritising nutritious foods, you can care for your mental and physical health, whilst still indulging every so often. Solo date time Another way of caring for your mental and physical health is to date yourself. Oftentimes, we prioritise others in, our lives over ourselves. We put their needs first and sometimes this can be to the detriment of our own health. Therefore, it's good to date yourself. What I mean is feel free to take yourself out. Treat yourself to a nice dinner, go to the cinema, or go on a shopping trip. Whatever makes you happy, do it. Don't worry if you don't have anyone to go with at times; solo dates are meant for one person, and they can make all the difference. Socialise with good company The last way of caring for your health is the opposite of the tip above. Solo dates are so important, but so is socialising with those who make you feel good. If you're socialising, you want to be able to be yourself and have fun without any worries because otherwise, your mental health can take a hit. So, make sure you socialise with good company. If seeing friends involves something you don't particularly want to do, tell them and either do something different or stay home. Socialising with people who drain your energy and doing something that brings you stress and anxiety, and that you don't enjoy, isn't worth it. Your mental and physical health are just as important as everyone else's. And if you don't look after yourself, you won't be able to look after others. So, with World Health Day coming up, make sure you look after yourself and prioritise your health. Until next time...

Today is International Children's Book Day, and I thought I'd share some young adult book recommendations. Young adult books consist of characters aged between 12 and 18. They're generally aimed at a target audience of a similar age. However, as a 23-year-old, I still love young adult books, and I know a lot of adults enjoy reading them too. As it is International Children's Book Day, I wanted to share some of my favourite young adult books with you all because whilst a book may have a target demographic, it can be enjoyed by anyone. So, below is a list of book recommendations ranging from thrillers to fantasy to dystopian novels that will, hopefully, entice children and young adults to read, but also provide an older audience with enjoyment too. Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi Genres: Dystopian, Romance The Shatter Me series is my current obsession. It consists of six full-length novels and three novellas (each with two short stories) and is definitely worth the read. It follows the story of 17-year-old Juliette Ferrars, a girl with a lethal touch, as she fights back against The Reestablishment and uncovers secrets along the way. Shatter Me is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of twists. I will never stop recommending this series. Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo Genres: Fantasy Six of Crows is a duology I always recommend to those who don't know what to read or want to get into reading, because I believe it has everything a book needs. It follows the story of a group of thieves in a fantasy world where some have magical powers, as they embark on an impossible heist. The Six of Crows duology is multi-POV, action-packed, detailed and generally just a great read. HappyHead duology by Josh Silver Genres: Dystopian, Thriller Josh Silver's debut duology is a must-read for YA readers, and if you have read my reviews on HappyHead or Dead Happy , you'll know why. It follows the story of Sebastian as he joins a mental health retreat for teenagers, which he soon realises is not what it seems. This duology is humorous, fast-paced, and continuously shocking. I absolutely loved this duology when I read it. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson Genres: Murder Mystery, Thriller A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is book one in the series, but it can be read as a standalone — I haven't read the other books yet, but haven't felt like I needed to to finish the series. It follows the story of Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she tries to solve the murder of a girl at her school from five years ago for her EPQ, as she believes the convicted killer was innocent. This is also a BBC TV show, but the book is intriguing and very compelling with other ways of telling the story than just the usual prose. House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland Genres: Paranormal, Horror House of Hollow is a haunting novel that gripped me from the start because of the mystery throughout. It follows Iris Hollow as she searches for her older sister, who has gone missing, and along the way uncovers secrets from their past. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be dark, shocking, and intriguing. If you're a fan of horror, I'd definitely give this a read. Win Lose Kill Die by Cynthia Murphy Genres: Thriller Win Lose Kill Die hooked me from the first sentence — "I didn't mean to kill the first one". It follows the story of a string of murders at Morton Academy, which seem to target the school's brightest students, and the attempt at trying to uncover who the perpetrator is. This book was very compelling and is a fast-paced thriller told from the protagonist's POV, Liz, and the killer's POV, which makes it even more interesting. The Prison Healer series by Lynette Noni Genres: Fantasy, Romance I haven't actually read this series, however, I have seen it all over social media, and it is high on my TBR. It follows Kiva, a prison healer who is tasked with keeping the Rebel Queen alive as she undergoes a Trial by Ordeal, only to volunteer herself to undergo the trials, which no one before has survived. From the blurb, this series reminds me of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner , two series I loved, so I will definitely be reading it. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-Age The Hate U Give is Thomas's debut novel that deals with institutional racism and the justice system, which I felt is a necessary read for young adults in today's climate. It follows the story of Starr Carter, a young black girl who witnesses a police officer fatally shoot her childhood best friend and her struggle for justice. This is a hard book to read because of the complex themes it explores, but I believe it is definitely worth the read because it highlights some important life lessons. If you're a young adult reader, or older, I hope you find these recommendations enjoyable. Until next time...

Have you ever suffered from burnout? Has your body told you to rest? Here are some tips on how to overcome burnout. This month has been an incredibly busy month for me. Not only in relation to work, but in my personal life too. I’ve had lots of uni work to do in preparation for my assessment period; I attended the London Book Fair; I went to my friend’s gorgeous wedding; and today it’s my sister’s birthday. Whilst March has been a mix of work and play, it hasn’t really left me with time for pure relaxation. It’s been quite full on. As a result, this past week I’ve been unwell and the doctors told me it’s my body’s way of telling me to slow down and rest. Hence why there was no blog post on Wednesday. So, as someone who has experienced burnout to an extreme, I thought I’d share some tips on how to overcome burnout and rejuvenate and reset your body and mind. Sleep is your best friend We’ve all heard the advice that we should get around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. But sometimes, life makes it impossible to sleep that much. However, I can safely say that sleep will help you. If you’re particularly stressed or suffering from burnout, getting some extra sleep, even during the day, will help your body rest. I’ve been sleeping this week and having days in bed to fully relax and let my body do nothing. Let me tell you, this hasn’t been easy for someone who suffers from productivity guilt, but it definitely helps you recover. Fluids, fluids and some more fluids Human beings need water to survive. It makes perfect, logical sense that when we’re feeling rundown and not at our best, water will help us recover. Sure, having a hot drink with some water in is good, but there’s nothing better for you than pure water. So, when you’re feeling burnt out, make sure you drink your water and keep on top of replenishing your glass/bottle. Find your comfort Every person is different and therefore, what we like differs. But one thing I’ve found to help me this week is finding things that bring me comfort. For instance, a comfort tv show, a comfort movie, a comfort music artist etc. By having something that makes you smile and brings you comfort can help you feel more relaxed and therefore, can help you recover. It doesn’t matter if it’s watching action movies or musicals, or bingeing television dramas or supernatural shows. Whatever you find comforting, embrace it and just lie down and indulge. No screens Now, I know this may seem counterproductive, given that I just suggested you indulge in comfort tv shows and movies, but this point is more about phones. One thing I’ve found has helped me this week is not having to look at my phone all the time. Thankfully, I don’t have work that requires me to be available all day anymore, and my friends know that I will reply to them as soon as I can. This week I’ve just been able to lie in bed and leave my phone without stressing that I need to keep checking it. It helped ease my mind and let me rest, which helped me recover faster. So if you’re able to abandon your phone, if only for a few hours, I’d recommend it because it could do wonders. Hopefully, if you’re feeling burnt out or particularly stressed, and your body is reaching a point where it’ll eventually force you to rest, these tips can help you. Until next time…

Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner is out now and, having received an ARC, I can say it's a must-read for any sports romance lovers. One of my favourite authors is Kandi Steiner. Kandi has written a mix of standalones and series over the years. Her most recent book, Save Your Breath, is the fourth book in the Kings of the Ice series. I absolutely love Kandi's books and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Save Your Breath. The book is out now, it was released on Thursday 20th March. I absolutely it loved reading Save Your Breath and wanted to share my thoughts with you all. It is a sports romance, so it's not for everyone, but if you are a reader and you do enjoy romance books, then I'd highly recommend it. Review of Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner Genre: Sports romance Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers Fake engagement Slow burn Hockey player x Popstar Forced proximity Unrequited love (or so they think) Overall Rating: 5 Stars Synopsis Save Your Breath is book four in the Kings of the Ice series. It is an interconnected standalone in that the characters do cross over, but it can be read on its own. The synopsis of the book is: "THIS JUST IN: HOCKEY BAD BOY AND POP STAR EXTRAORDINAIRE ENGAGED! That was the headline we'd wanted. If only I’d known the cost to get it. Aleksander Suter has been my best friend since high school—and the only man who’s ever been able to truly get under my skin. With his reputation for trouble and a smirk that could melt ice, he’s also the NHL’s favourite bad boy. When my publicist’s plan to fix my image collides with his need to clean up his own, we find ourselves in a fake engagement that feels too real from the start. Now, I’m releasing my new album, putting on a show for the paparazzi I usually try to dodge, and falling too fast for a man who never falls for anyone. Every stolen glance, every heated touch blurs the lines between us until I’m wondering where the lies end and the truth begins. And when a hurricane traps us together in his high-rise condo, all my carefully built walls collapse, and resisting the pull between us becomes a losing game. Suddenly, the stakes are higher than just headlines, and the risks feel more personal than ever. But as our past resurfaces and old feelings reignite, I realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my career—it’s losing my heart to the one person I thought would never be mine." Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork I love sports romance books, so it was no surprise to me that I absolutely loved Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner. This book was a five-star read for me and this year, I promised myself I would limit my five-star ratings. Aleks and Mia's story is packed full of emotion and as a reader, I felt I went on their journey with them. Yes, Aleks is a famous hockey player and Mia is an international pop star, but they are also two childhood best friends, struggling to deal with their emotions for each other and trying to figure out life. This made them so relatable and made the story much more enjoyable. The main trope is, of course, fake engagement. I love it when a couple in a book has to pretend to be together, but because Mia and Aleks were already friends, it made it even better. The dual POV perfected this book because it really helped build the suspense by providing both the protagonist's perspective and the angst! Save Your Breath is a slow burn full of angst and I am here for it. It was so good waiting for Mia and Aleks to finally give in and admit how they felt. There is a little bit of miscommunication, and whilst I wouldn't normally like that trope because it can get frustrating, I loved this book. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Now onto characters. Aleksander Suter is a famous hockey player, who isn't exactly known for being friendly. He's known as the bad boy of the NHL. Having dreamed of being a hockey player, he moved from Switzerland to America and lived with Mia's family. Life hasn't exactly been kind to Aleks, but he is such a kind soul. There were times in this book when Aleks' emotions were really strong and I loved how we saw him as this strong, masculine hockey player, but also as a vulnerable man. He is charming, he can get what he wants, and he isn't afraid to use his looks or status. But he also cares and is afraid of losing those he cares for. The same goes for Mia. She is an international pop star, who has been wronged by her ex and his friend in the media. With an upcoming album scheduled for release, Mia wants to prove that she's not hung up on her ex-boyfriend. But the plan of being fake engaged to Aleks soon turns real for Mia as it brings up memories from their childhood. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork She is a talented pop star with a huge fanbase, but she's also just an ordinary girl who fell in love with her best friend. I really liked Mia's character and watching her evolve throughout the book. She is funny and sarcastic, but also the kind of friend everyone would want. Mia and Aleks together worked perfectly and I really enjoyed their dynamic. The flirtation, the teasing, the banter, the spice... all of it was superb. Plus, the side characters, which included couples from previous books, and the couple of book five, were so fun to read about. Kandi Steiner has created a fantastic world within the Kings of the Ice series and I love it! It was a hard decision to put this book down and work because I just wanted to delve back into Aleks and Mia's story. So, thank you Kandi for the ARC. Intrigued? If my review has got you thinking about giving Save Your Breath a read, I highly recommend it. I would say, though, that I've found reading the other books in the series enhances the reading experience, so if you haven't met the other couples in the Kings of the Ice series, do go and check them out. You can find Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner on Amazon here . Until next time...

The London Book Fair was last week and whilst it focused on publishing professionals, there was much to learn as a publishing hopeful. I attended my second London Book Fair this month. Last year, I decided to go to the event, not really knowing much about it, but with the hope that it would help me decide whether or not I wanted to pursue a career in publishing. Having enjoyed it so much and decided to pursue publishing as a career, I attended the London Book Fair again this month. But this time, it was as a publishing hopeful, intending to gain as much advice and knowledge about the industry and work in publishing as I could. Across the three days, there were many talks, some focused on getting into the industry. There was also a careers clinic for publishing hopefuls, where we got to speak to recruiters from different publishers and ask them questions. So, as a publishing hopeful, who knows that the industry is quite competitive to break into, I thought I'd share some of the tips and bits of advice that I learnt over the three days of attending the London Book Fair. Tailor your application When applying for jobs, it's important to not just use the same application for every role you apply for. You want to make sure that your application will stand out and be remembered. One way to do this is to tailor your application. Each publishing house is different and each imprint within a publishing house is different. There is no benefit to using the same CV or Cover Letter for all of your applications. Instead, try and work on making your CV and Cover Letter specific to the role. If you're applying for a marketing and publicity role, then the skills you'll highlight might be different to that of a rights' assistant application. The same goes for if you're applying to Penguin General vs Penguin Children's Books. In your cover letter, have a paragraph about why you want to work at that specific imprint. State if you particularly like their author list, if you've read any of their books recently, and what you can bring to that role. Be authentic to yourself This bit of advice is for those who run bookish social media accounts, such as Bookstagram and BookTok. I've only recently started a BookTok, and it was refreshing to hear other content creators' thoughts about this at the London Book Fair. Demonstrating your passion for books is key as a publishing hopeful because it shows you actually want this career. However, if you are a bookish content creator, one thing that kept being shared as the most important piece of advice was to be authentic. If you are true to yourself and show authenticity, it's more likely that you'll grow a following, a community, because people will value you as a person and as a reader. So, when highlighting your extracurricular bookish activities, ensure that you are authentic and aren't just copying others and what's trending. Being you is a powerful tool. Don't underestimate any experience At the London Book Fair, I met many publishing hopefuls. Some were graduates, some were completing their publishing masters and others were currently working in a completely different industry and wanted to make the switch. I'm currently a part-time student with experience in remote journalism, and I often wondered whether or not I needed to have experience in an office or working in person. But that is not the case. So, whatever experience you have, delve deep into what it actually entailed and what you got out of it because all experience is good experience. You will have gained many skills from your experience and they will be transferrable to different industries, like publishing. Don't think that if you worked in a supermarket or in retail it won't be relevant to publishing. Everything is relevant, so don't underestimate it. Don't be afraid to ask questions I like to say that I am a confident person and in a professional setting, I can be. But there are times when I do get a bit shy, however, being at the London Book Fair certainly made me confident. One thing I learned from that is not to be afraid to reach out and ask questions. If you're a publishing hopeful, I'd recommend joining LinkedIn because you can ask to connect with publishing professionals. I'd also recommend the Publishing Hopefuls Facebook group . Once you start making connections within publishing, it can be easier to ask someone if you can pick their brain. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask someone in the know who can help. Yes, they might not have the time, but at least you've asked and shown your interest. Be passionate and resilient The publishing industry is a very competitive industry. I know a lot of people who applied to hundreds of different jobs before getting their foot in the door and I know a lot of people still trying to apply for publishing jobs, a year in. But if there's one thing I've learnt recently about being a publishing hopeful, it's that we need to continue being passionate and to also be resilient. Applying for jobs is tiring, especially when you don't hear back from each recruiter you've applied to. However, whilst it may feel easy to give up and take the rejection to heart, it's necessary to keep going. Every rejection is another opportunity to build experience and learn. We're not all going to get the first five jobs we apply for, but we need to keep going. So be passionate and be resilient. If you're a publishing hopeful like me, I hope these five tips can help you. They are things I've learnt recently from being surrounded by publishing professionals, and hopefully, they can help us all break into the world of book publishing. Until next time...

Next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and to celebrate, I'm sharing a list of book recommendations with neurodivergent characters. When reading books, it's great to see representation of different cultures, ethnicities, disabilities, and backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are becoming more and more prevalent in our modern world, and as the week of March 17th to March 23rd is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I thought I'd share some books that include neurodiversity representation. It can be a challenge for non-neurodivergent authors to write about neurodivergent characters. But whether an author is neurodivergent or not, it is important to represent those who are in literature, especially when children's reading rates are on a steep decline. Reading allows people to see themselves represented and to find comfort in reading stories about others just like them. So, here are 10 recommendations for books with neurodivergent characters. Children's and Teens Book Recommendations Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs Cloud Boy is a heart-warming story about a young boy, Bobby, who finds it hard to focus on one thing at a time and has so much energy that it lifts him into the clouds. The Boy Who Cried Ghost by Ian Eagleton Ian Eagleton has written a coming-of-age story that shares an insight into what having OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is actually like and portrays it in a celebrative and inclusive way. Frankie's World by Aoife Dooley Aoife Dooley uses their real-life experiences to tell this relatable story about Frankie, an autistic girl, as she learns who she is. Wider than the Sea by Serena Molloy Wider than the Sea shows readers the story of Ró, a girl who struggles to make sense of words and hides it from those around her. Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott Can You See Me? tells the story of Natalia, an 11-year-old girl, who is just trying to fit in and break the stereotypes surrounding autism. A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll Addie is a young, autistic girl and is the protagonist of A Kind of Spark , in which she campaigns for her voice to be heard as she sets out to discover the true story of the witch trials that once took place in her town. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Six of Crows is one of my favourite books, and the fantasy novel showcases characters with ADHD and dyslexia, which readers can relate to as the characters attempt an almost-impossible heist. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, written by Rick Riordan, is a Greek mythological fantasy series, but the protagonist of Percy is a young, neurodivergent character, who Riordan hopes can help his son, and others, find the positivity in their neurodiversity. Tilly in Technicolour by Mazey Eddings Mazey Edding's Young Adult debut, Tilly in Technicolour , follows the story of a recent high school graduate with ADHD and her co-intern with autism as they work together and discover each other's perspectives of the world. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Christopher, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, as he tries to find the truth about a murder, which turns his world on its head. Adult Book Recommendations The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient is an adult romance novel that showcases relationships and the world of dating and intimacy through the neurodivergent lens of the autistic protagonist, Stella. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert Talia Hibbert explores neurodivergent characters in the book Act Your Age, Eve Brown , with a mix of humour and romance to portray autism in an inspiring manner. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - ADHD Red, White and Royal Blue doesn't explicitly state that any of the characters are neurodivergent, but Alex, one of the protagonists, is believed to have ADHD, influenced by McQuiston's personal experience. The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale The Cassandra Complex ( Cassandra in Reverse in the US) explores the story of protagonist, Cassandra, an autistic woman, who discovers she can time-travel in a neurotypical world. There are, of course, lots more books out there for you to read that have neurodivergent characters. These are just a few for both adults and children. I hope that if you want to read more widely and read books with diversity and inclusivity, you give these a go. Happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Until next time...

The London Book Fair is next week, and it's one of the biggest publishing events in the book trade calendar, so here are some tips on how to make the most of it. Last year, I went to the London Book Fair for the first time. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know anyone else going, and I felt out of my depth because I wasn't a publishing professional. Fast forward 12 months, and I still don't know anyone going, and I also am not a publishing professional. However, I am a Creative Writing student writing a novel and a publishing hopeful. After my first visit to the London Book Fair, I knew immediately that I wanted to go back again. I may not have meetings set up or clients to see, but there is still plenty more for me to get up to as a student attendee. But I know it can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. Therefore, I thought I'd share some tips on how to make the most of your visit to the London Book Fair, based on my experience last year. Know the location Credit: WriteWatchWork The London Book Fair takes place at the Olympia in West Kensington, London. It's a big event venue, but if you've never been there before, it can be challenging to get to. Before the event, it would be useful to know the whereabouts of the Olympia and where the entrances are. Last year, before each day, people had to queue outside the venue, so getting there early and knowing where the doors are will save you time. Another thing to factor in is travel. If you don't live in London, you'll most likely be travelling in each day, unless you're staying somewhere nearby. There are some tube stations close to the Olympia, but I would recommend planning your route to the venue and making sure you know which tubes you need to get on and at what time, so you get to the London Book Fair right on time. Use a map Credit: WriteWatchWork This tip came in really handy for me last year because the Olympia is a big venue. It spans two floors, and there are a lot of stalls and different areas allocated for different things on both. If it's your first time attending the London Book Fair, I would definitely recommend printing out a map of the venue or having a digital copy. That way, each day, you can quickly look up where the different things are, from talks to the toilets, so you don't spend ages walking around in circles, lost. List the talks and times Credit: WriteWatchWork Across the three days of the London Book Fair, there are multiple talks in different areas at different times. If you want to attend any of the talks, it might be handy to have a list of the different ones, where they are and at what time they are. You can find out what the talks are by visiting the London Book Fair's website. They have a list for each day, giving a brief description and stating who is giving the talk. Note the exhibitor locations Credit: WriteWatchWork As the London Book Fair is a trade publishing event, most of the Olympia will be used for exhibitor stalls. These are different publishers, agencies, and other publishing companies. Whilst the majority of these will be conducting meetings, there might be brief moments when people at the stands are available for a quick chat. In that case, especially for publishing hopefuls, if you'd like to pick the brains of certain exhibitors, make a note of where they will be located within the venue. Last year, there was a separate Children's Publishing area, which made it easier to locate publishers, such as Usborne, Walker Books and Nosy Crow. Stationery Credit: WriteWatchWork I absolutely love stationery. I have a whole box dedicated to stationery in my office, so when attending the London Book Fair, I will definitely be making sure I've got the right equipment. I'm attending LBF as a student with a plan of attending talks for publishing hopefuls and authors, as well as hoping to pick the brains of publishing professionals. For me, I don't have any necessary paperwork I need to bring for meetings. However, I will be bringing a new notepad, a few pens and some business cards with me. Ensuring you have a notebook will make it easier to take notes when attending talks, and if you're able to network, it could be a good place to jot down some important contact info. Careers Clinic Credit: WriteWatchWork This next tip is definitely for publishing hopefuls. Book Careers, run by Suzanne Collier, runs a careers clinic on the Thursday of the London Book Fair. I attended the clinic last year, and I've booked my place to do so again. You have to have a ticket to LBF in order to attend, so if you are going to LBF and are a publishing hopeful, I'd definitely recommend attending the careers clinic. There will be staff from different publishers, such as Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Walker Books, Springer Nature, and Bloomsbury. So, if you have a copy of your CV ready and a note of some questions you'd like to ask about job applications, recruitment, etc., then this is your chance to get some feedback from publishing professionals. Get the LBF25 app Credit: The London Book Fair My final tip for attending the London Book Fair is to download the app. LBF25 contains all the information you need to know about what is going on at the London Book Fair. It has the seminar list, exhibitor list, and floorplan of the venue, and it allows you to bookmark different talks you want to attend. It is a really handy app to have over the course of the three days, so if you are attending the London Book Fair, be sure to download it. I am attending all three days of the fair; if you're going, I'd love to meet you and have a chat. Hopefully, these tips can help you feel more prepared and make it less daunting. Until next time...