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Burlesque The Musical is the hottest new show hitting London's West End for a limited run, but it's a must-see show for any theatre fan. I'm writing another 'Watch' review for this blog post, following my previous two on Destination X and My Oxford Year . However, whilst it is three in a row, I just had to write this review and share it with you all. Last weekend, I went to London with a friend to watch Burlesque The Musical . I've been a fan of the movie, starring Christina Aguilera, for a while and loved the soundtrack. It was no surprise that when Burlesque The Musical was announced as playing in Manchester that I desperately wanted it to come to London. And when it was announced that it would be coming to London, I bought tickets right away. I couldn't wait to see it, and it did not disappoint. So, here is my review of Burlesque The Musical , currently playing at The Savoy Theatre, with comparison notes to the film. Review of Burlesque The Musical Genre: Rom-Com Musical Rating: 5/5 Burlesque The Musical is based on the 2010 movie, written by Steven Antin. Whilst the premise of the musical is the same as the movie, there are some differences, which, whilst I loved the movie, I think make the musical stage show ten times better. The stage show follows the story of Ali Rose, a young woman from Iowa, who learns the real identity of her birth mother. She goes in search of her in New York and discovers she owns the Burlesque Lounge. In a bid to tell Tess that she's her mother, Ali gets a job as a waitress at the club, eventually working her way up to being a dancer. Whilst there, she rooms with the bartender, Jackson, and the two slowly develop feelings for each other. However, things don't go as smoothly as planned when Nikki, one of the main dancers, begins to stir up trouble along with Vince, Tess's ex-husband. The original movie was set in Los Angeles and didn't involve a search for a birth mother. It also didn't include the character Marcus Gerber, played by Eric Dane. However, despite the differences, I absolutely loved Burlesque The Musical . I am still a huge fan of the original movie; it will always be enjoyable to watch, but the stage musical was hands down one of, if not the, best musicals I've ever seen. And here's why. Steven Antin and Todrick Hall are creative masterminds. As a scriptwriting student, I would love to pick their brains and ask them questions on how they crafted a new storyline and made it more modern — there were references to Coldplay's concert, Tate McCrae, and TikTok trends — but kept the essence of the original. The stage show was full of glitz and glam, and brought to the forefront themes of family, friendship and true happiness. This was achieved through the incredible cast, set designs, costumes, and the way the actors moved around the stage. I loved watching how effortlessly the cast danced, but also how they moved between scenes with different furniture. It was great to see their portrayal of a moving bus with nothing more than a few chairs and a video background. Everything about the musical works so well. Jess Folley is an incredible woman. Her voice is out of this world — I actually think I prefer her versions of the Burlesque songs. The range Jess has and the control...just wow! Plus, I know she wrote some original songs for Burlesque The Musical , including Got It All From You , which was a gorgeous number. She was amazing as Ali Rose, and I loved watching her perform. Todrick Hall, as I said above, is a creative mastermind, but watching him perform on stage was something else. Not only did he have a hand in creating the musical, but he also stole the show through his characters of Sean and Miss Loretta. His characterisation of those two was perfect. He was such a comical character and just delivered lines flawlessly that had the audience in stitches. It felt at times that Todrick was ad-libbing as well, which made it even better. Paul French, who played Jackson, was another standout member of the cast. Previously, he's played Kenickie in Grease , and he brought with him some of that natural charm. I preferred Paul's portrayal of Jack's character and his voice... There's one song from the original movie that was made into a duet in the musical. That is Bound To You , which is a slow, romantic song. In Burlesque The Musical , Paul started the song and Jess continued it, but I can still hear Paul's opening lines to the song, and I definitely prefer that version of Bound To You . Now, I could go on and on and list every single cast member because they all did a fantastic job. Everyone deserved the huge applause they received both during and after the performance. I loved how minor characters from the film, like Vince, were given a bigger role in the musical. I also enjoyed how the musical had a more structured focus with Ali's search for her birth mother. It made it more emotional and allowed the audience to become invested, rather than having her just want to be a star on stage. For me I preferred that storyline because it added more complexity to the characters and overall story. Also, I loved the diversity within the show with a mixture of races, genders, and sizes. It made me feel more represented, which is only a good thing. However, I do have one bug to bear. I need the cast of Burlesque The Musical to record and publish the original cast recording of the full soundtrack. Right now. I absolutely loved the soundtrack to this musical, and I loved all the new songs too. But there isn't a recording available for the public to stream/download/buy. Usually, after I've seen a musical, I'll listen to the soundtrack again and again, but for Burlesque , I can only listen to the original movie soundtrack. That is amazing, don't get me wrong, but there were so many more songs in the stage show that were brought to life by the cast. I would love to listen to Jess Folley's original songs and her versions of Tough Lover , etc., so if anyone from Burlesque The Musical reads this, please record the soundtrack. So, that is my review of Burlesque The Musical . A stage show full of glitz, glamour, and sequins that is funny, sexy, and heart-warming. I hope that if you get to see the show, you love it! And if you don't, hopefully it'll come to the West End again for a longer run, and you can grab some tickets. Until next time...

Sofia Carson's latest Netflix hit is My Oxford Year, based on the novel by Julia Whelan, and it is definitely a film to watch. Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Disney Channel. Shows like Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody were staples of my childhood. As were Disney Channel movies like the Descendants franchise. I loved the Descendants franchise, and still do, because they're relatable and hold deeper meanings than the main plot. Starring in these movies was Sofia Carson. Since leaving her Disney days behind her, Sofia Carson has starred in several Netflix movies, becoming a staple of the streaming service. She's been in Purple Hearts, The Life List, Feel the Beat and Carry On. And her latest film is My Oxford Year . This movie is based on Julia Whelan's novel and is perfect for romance fans, literature lovers, and those who love a movie that shares important lessons. I watched My Oxford Year last week and loved it. So, it's no surprise that I wanted to review it and share my thoughts. Review of My Oxford Year Genre: Romantic Drama Rating: 4/5 stars The synopsis for My Oxford Year, from IMDB , is: 'When Anna, an ambitious young American woman, sets out for Oxford University to fulfil a childhood dream, she has her life completely on track until she meets a charming and clever local who profoundly alters both of their lives.' The first thing that drew my attention to this film was the cast. I have enjoyed every single Sofia Carson film I've seen; she's moved away from Disney and found her footing as Netflix's movie star. Her talent as a triple threat is incredible, and I love that she finds films to sink your teeth into. Corey Mylchreest is an actor I first saw in Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte . In this, he played King George, and I thought he did an excellent job at that role. In My Oxford Year , Mylchreest portrays the Oxford local, who also happens to be Anna's teacher. Watching Carson and Mylchreest portray Anna and Jamie worked well. They bounce off each other and are formidable actors. I haven't yet read the novel of this story, but it is on my TBR. Perhaps even more so now I've seen the film because I'm fascinated by book-to-screen adaptations, and this one is one worth researching. My Oxford Year begins as a typical romcom. Anna moves to Oxford for a year and is taken with the historic and poetic sights of the city. Only to have a not-so-meet-cute with Jamie after he drenches her with his car, driving through a puddle. From there, tension builds between the two protagonists as we see them navigate their intrigue, but also slight annoyance with one another, which only grows once Jamie's role in Anna's education is revealed. I thought the film was well-paced and built up their developing friendship successfully before it became a romance. There is humour and sarcasm from the protagonists, but also from the side characters. I liked watching Anna's relationship with Maggie, Tom and Charlie develop, despite the stereotypical gay best friend. They added comic relief and made the film more heart-warming before it became heart-wrenching. As I mentioned, I haven't read the book, so I didn't know what the ending of the film was going to be. However, you can kind of work it out early on when there are quite a few references to living life to the fullest, because we never know how long it'll be. When it reached the end of the film, I must admit I did have tears. I wasn't full-on sobbing, but it was sad and emotional and did provoke a reaction from me. And that's the best bit about Sofia Carson's movies. There is always a deeper meaning. It is more often than not relatable to all viewers and results in a powerful movie. My Oxford Year touches on the meaning of life and how we shouldn't wait to do things. We should embrace life whilst we can and live each day to the fullest, only regretting things we don't do, not things we have done. I easily related to the topics explored in My Oxford Year and applied them to my own life, which I think is why I found the ending so emotional. It was bittersweet and maybe not the romantic film so people expected, but it's still worth watching. So, if you're in the mood for an emotional, thought-provoking, romantic drama that will make you want to visit Oxford and embrace life, give My Oxford Year a watch. Until next time...

The new television series, Destination X , is a gripping watch that will have you guessing alongside the contestants as to where in the world they are. Rob Brydon, from Gavin and Stacey, has recently released a new TV show, titled Destination X . It's available to watch on BBC iPlayer and takes inspiration from the Belgian show, Bestemming X . It's a game show that echoes that of The Traitors , with a number of contestants embarking on an international adventure across Europe. All in the hopes of winning £100,000. Destination X aired in late July and is a must-watch for fans of game shows that keep you guessing, gripped, but also learning. I've watched two episodes so far and am really enjoying it. So, I thought I'd share my thoughts with you in a mini review to hopefully inspire you to give it a watch. Review of Destination X Genre: Game show Rating: 4/5 stars Destination X is a game show that takes contestants on a bus around Europe. Whilst on their trip, they have to complete a number of challenges, all hinting at where in the world they are. However, it's not an ordinary trip around Europe. The show began with 13 contestants competing for a boarding pass. Only 10 contestants made it through to the next round, which involves them embarking on their trip. Episode one features the 10 remaining contestants having a helicopter ride to their next destination. But whilst blindfolded with their specific goggles, which allow Rob to control when the contestants can see their surroundings. The 10 participants all tried guessing which direction they were flying in, using various manners of thinking, including the rise and fall of the sun, and what they could see out the window. From there, they are taken on a fancy bus, which has a screen over the windows, blocking their view, to the next challenge. At the end of each episode, the 10 contestants enter the 'map room'. Here, they literally put an X as to where they think they are in Europe. The contestant who guesses farthest from their actual location goes home. All 10 contestants come from different walks of life. There's a crime writer, a pilot, an endurance athlete, a care assistant, and many more occupations represented. And that makes for a gripping watch. Destination X merges The Traitors with an international adventure, showing viewers different locations around the world. Whilst watching, you're joining in with the contestants and trying to figure out the clues for yourself. My family and I thought we had chosen the correct destination in episode one, only to find out the contestant we thought was wrong was right. It's a fun TV show that is addictive. The contestants all begin at the same level, but from there, they have to decide whether they'll be a team player or withhold information. Tensions start to rise, and clues aren't shared. It is easy to be swayed by what the other contestants say, but the BBC invite you to play along — whilst watching live — with a QR code for you to place your own X on the map. It doesn't seem as toxic as The Traitors, but that could just be because I'm only two episodes in. But it certainly provides an entertaining watch. However, it is more than just a game show. Destination X involves showing players different clues as to where they are. But these clues are also for the viewers. Some involve different cuisines, showing country phone number codes, identifying what languages are spoken where, and more. At the end of each episode, Rob Brydon shares what clues indicate the exact location. I've found this an enjoyable aspect of the show because it teaches us viewers. I've learnt quite a bit about the places the contestants have already visited, all just from watching them travel around in the hopes of winning a competition. So, if you're interested in watching something both entertaining and educational, then give Destination X a go. If you do watch it, let me know if you guess any of the destinations correctly in the comments below. Until next time...

Looking for a new film to watch? I've got you covered with my film review of Amazon Prime's Heads of State. Whilst completing my work experience, I found it difficult to get much reading done because I was often too tired by the time I arrived home. However, what I did notice was that I ended up watching a fair amount of television and cinema across the two weeks. I watched a variety of shows, from the One Chicago crossover episodes to Frozen and Snow White . I thoroughly enjoyed each movie and TV show I watched, but there was one that we watched for family movie night that I really liked. That was Heads of State . Available on Amazon Prime, Heads of State is a new comic action movie featuring Idris Elba, John Cena and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. So, if you need a new film to watch, check out my review of Heads of State below. Review of Heads of State Genre: Action-Comedy Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Rating: 8 out of 10 The Heads of State synopsis, from IMDB , is: 'When the U.K. Prime Minister and U.S. President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they're forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.' That is the basic premise of the film, but there is a lot more to it. Of course, there are very comical aspects of the movie that are sometimes a bit ridiculous. However, the film makes it work. John Cena plays the U.S. President, a former actor turned politician, echoing Ronald Reagan. Idris Elba obviously plays the U.K. Prime Minister, who has worked his whole life to build his career and became Prime Minister to make a difference. These two are very much opposite sides of a coin. Elba's character, Sam, is definitely grumpy, sarcastic and also matter-of-fact, whereas Cena's character, Will, plays into the fanfare of being Mr President, often utilises his former Hollywood career and believes he is a real-life action hero - even though it's Sam who served in the army. The movie begins with Spaniards throwing tomatoes at each other for La Tomatina, only to reveal that a joint task force of the CIA and MI6, led by Priyanka Chopra Jonas's character, Noel, is on a mission within the festival. This operation quickly goes sideways as Noel and her team are taken out by a man called Viktor Gradov. We're then introduced to Sam and Will in their respective worlds. It quickly becomes evident that there is animosity and disrespect between the two of them. They don't like each other, and they don't trust each other. Both of them have very different ways of handling situations, but ultimately, they're forced to work together. When both Sam and Will travel on Air Force One, they find themselves parachuting out over Belarus. From there, the action of the film begins. I really enjoyed these two characters as action stars. Yes, the dynamic between Idris Elba and John Cena works really well. Whilst Will is sometimes a bit ridiculous and provides the obvious comedy, Sam is such a dry-humoured and witty character that you can't help but laugh at his comments. He already thinks that Will is a bit of a pompous president, whilst Will thinks that Sam is too stuck in his ways. This relationship means that whilst we get comedy, it is conveyed in a way that makes the stupid look smart. There are, of course, some errors within the film, mainly surrounding the idea of 'Heads of State' as the U.K. Prime Minister isn't really a head of state. This is, however, pointed out in the film by Noel, which makes the movie much better because even the characters acknowledge the error with the title. Also, the Prime Minister is never 'Mr Prime Minister', that's just the President. Overall, this film was very comical, but also a great action movie. Yes, there were unbelievable moments, but at the same time, you knew it was unrealistic that it became realistic. I really enjoyed this movie. Heads of State isn't a favourite action film of mine, but it is one worth watching if you're looking for some action that will make you laugh at the same time. Have you seen Heads of State ? If not, give it a watch and let me know what you think in the comments below. Until next time...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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